What you need to know when buying a furnace
Facts:
- A furnace works to keep a home warm in the winter and plays a critical part in the operation of an air conditioning system.
- Furnaces produce heat through the combustion of natural gas in the furnace's burner. The heat produced from this process then passes through a heat exchanger. Air from your home's return air ducts is blown over the heat exchanger, thus warming the air.
- The furnace's blower then blows the warmed air into the ductwork, which carries and disperses the warmed air throughout the home.
Benefits:
- Indoor warmth any time it is required.
Energy efficiency -The efficiency of a furnace can be determined by its AFUE--or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The minimum efficiency level for furnaces currently available is 80% AFUE. A rating of "80% AFUE" means that for every dollar you spend heating your home; 80 cents are actually applied to the generation of warmth. Compared to many of the 60% AFUE furnaces in older homes, 80% AFUE furnaces are a significant improvement. However, for enhanced energy efficiency, you may wish to consider a 95+% AFUE furnace.
