Homes and multi-family dwellings are generally heated by a furnace or boiler. While a furnace heats air and that hot air then gets distributed throughout the house or apartment by heating ducts, a boiler heats water for hot water and it also produces heat by the steam created via the hot water. When it comes to furnace or boiler efficiency, there are high efficiency models of both boilers and furnaces; it’s important to take a look at your home or multi-family apartment house and see if you’re throwing dollars out the window.

Furnace or boiler efficiency is dictated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), which measures how productive your unit converts its fuel energy into heat throughout the year. Basically it’s measuring how much energy it takes vs how much it puts out. This does not include heat that escapes out your air ducts, but does include heat that escapes from the chimney and elsewhere.

The AFUE ratings and efficiency requirements vary slightly from state to state, but you do want to again make sure you’re not throwing money out the window during heating season. Retrofitting or upgrading your old boiler or furnace can help bring your rating more in line with your wallet in addition to saving natural resources. Some boilers or furnaces may need to be replaced completely.

The US government offers some great insight on energy efficiency in this informative infographic.

When it comes to furnace or boiler efficiency, if you need an assessment on replacing, retrofitting or upgrading your boiler or furnace, give me a call. I promise to give you an honest response on your options. It will most likely save you money in the long run.