Understanding Boiler Efficiency Ratings

Anyone who lives in Morton Grove, IL knows that winters can be downright frigid. If you don’t have the right heating equipment, they can also cost a small fortune in utility bills. To find the most cost-effective heater, you first need to understand heating efficiency. If you’re in the market for a boiler system, that means diving into annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE).

Breaking Down Boiler Efficiency Ratings

AFUE is a fancy term that represents a deceptively simple concept. It’s a ratio that compares a system’s annual heat output to the total amount of energy consumed from fossil fuels. The resulting number is the percentage of energy that a system converts to usable heat. In other words, an 80% AFUE boiler turns 80% of the energy it consumes into heat for your home. The remaining energy is mostly lost during the combustion process.

Efficiency by Fuel Type

To make comparing models easier, every modern boiler system is required to display its AFUE. Perhaps best of all, there are high-efficiency options no matter your preferred fuel type. Many gas-fired boilers now boast an AFUE of 80% or more, making them great choices for upgrading old, inefficient systems. Oil-powered burners can boost that efficiency to more than 86%. For maximum energy savings, there are also gas boilers that can achieve 90% efficiency.

Weighing the Cost of Higher Efficiency

A higher AFUE means less wasted energy, but not everyone needs the most efficient system possible. Before upgrading to a system with higher boiler efficiency ratings, spend some time considering your unique situation. If you have an obsolete boiler that sees heavy use, upgrading for maximum efficiency is probably worth any added expenses. However, going from an 80% AFUE to a 90% system may not save you enough money to warrant the cost. Professional heating contractors can help you evaluate your options in more detail to make the best decision for your home.

Whatever your needs, understanding the importance of heating efficiency and AFUE can help you make better, more informed decisions. To learn even more, see Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning’s heating installation services or dial 847-388-0316 to speak with our heating experts.