How do furnaces work?

As part of a central heating and cooling system, a furnace converts fuel (gas or oil) into heat, and then uses a blower to circulate warm air throughout your house. In summer, a furnace works with your heat pump or air conditioner to deliver cooled air throughout your home. The main components of a furnace include burners, a heat exchanger, a blower motor, and controls.

What is AFUE and what does it mean for your furnace?

AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel to heat. In simpler terms, this metric determines how much fuel your furnace is actually turning into heat for your home. Thus, the higher the AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient the system and the more heat entering your home. As a homeowner, you may want a high AFUE-rated furnace because it’s a good thing for the environment, your home, and your wallet.

Is furnace repair or furnace replacement a better solution for me?

The answer will be different for every homeowner. We recommend replacing your furnace if it’s 15 years old or more, has an AFUE of less than 80%, needs frequent repairs, is declining in performance or your energy costs are rising. If you do need to replace your furnace, consider the AFUE rating, heating stages, and cost of your new unit.

Why buy a high efficiency gas furnace?

The higher the AFUE, the less fuel you'll need to keep your home comfortable. Trane furnaces with 90 or higher AFUE measurements deliver at least 90% of the heat they create to your home, which exceeds the government’s minimum standard of 80 AFUE for new furnaces. If you have a furnace that is at least 10 years old, it probably has an AFUE between 60 – 70, meaning you could be losing 40 cents of every dollar you spend on heating energy.

Gas furnace vs. heat pump?

The main difference between the two is how they create heat. A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. A furnace burns fuel to create heat. Because of this, a heat pump will be more energy efficient.

How long does a furnace last?

An average gas furnace will last 15-20 years. Some furnaces can last longer depending on furnace maintenance and they are quality units to begin with. Some units may not last as long if they are not properly maintained, if you use them 6 or more months out of the year, or if they are a lower-quality unit.

What are the major differences between gas furnaces and oil furnaces?

A gas furnace uses natural gas for fuel and distributes heat to your home. Oil furnaces convert oil into heat energy that is then distributed to your home. Which type of furnace is the best choice for you will depend on your home's climate zone, thermostat settings, and resource costs in your area.

Heat pump vs Furnace?

The overall installation cost of your furnace, heat pump, or dual fuel system depends heavily on your home’s compatibility and current system setup. For instance, some homes may not have access to natural gas, making an air conditioner and furnace installation a more expensive alternative to a heat pump system. Alternatively, homes not wired for the supplemental heating associated with a heat pump system may incur additional costs. Under ideal conditions, a heat pump can transfer more energy than it consumes. Heat pumps are powered by electricity so that you can save substantially on fuel consumption. Likewise, they are over 100 percent efficient in various temperate climates and can serve as a heater and air conditioner, while a furnace can only provide heat.