Efficiency with Gas and Electric Furnaces — It Can Be Tricky

No homeowner looks forward to searching for a new furnace. There are many things to consider, including efficiency ratings. You may have heard about efficiency ratings before, but do you know what they are and how they work? 

To ensure you invest in the best heating system for your home, we're here in Valencia, PA, to help you understand more about furnace efficiency. 

Furnace Efficiency Ratings 

When looking at furnaces, you may notice they have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) listed. This rating measures the energy efficiency of a heating system. It lists a percentage that indicates how much of the potential heat energy from its fuel a furnace delivers. Any unused portion of the fuel source’s potential energy is wasted.     

One example is a gas furnace with mid-rage efficiency of 80%. This rating means that 80% of the natural gas will turn into heat, with 20% wasted in the conversion process. 

Standard Furnace Efficiency in Valencia, PA 

Over the last few decades, efficiency ratings for natural gas systems have increased drastically. In the past, the standard AFUE of a gas furnace was about 70%. Modern furnaces have higher ratings, often providing over 90%, with some reaching efficiency levels of 98%. One drawback to higher efficiency systems is that they cost more.

Electric furnace ratings are much simpler to understand. They all have an AFUE of 100%, meaning they don't lose waste energy as exhaust. That means electric furnaces are better, right? Not necessarily. 

Electricity is a more expensive energy source than natural gas. Even though the AFUE is better, running an electric furnace could cost more than operating a gas furnace offering mid-level efficiency.   

Gas or Electric: Which Is Better? 

A general rule of thumb is that if your home is set up for a natural gas furnace, you should invest in a gas furnace instead of an electric one. In the long run, it will probably be more cost-effective to run while providing better heating. 

Experts in Furnace Efficiency in Valencia, PA

If you still have questions about choosing a furnace, contact Hogue Electric Services. We'll help you sort through your options and select a system that will deliver the best furnace efficiency in Valencia, PA.