Efficiency is one of the big words in today’s consumer products. People are always looking for appliances and vehicles and other devices with improved energy efficiency. Government labels like ENERGY STAR make it easier than ever for customers to find appliances that meet the standards for efficient operation.
Because a large amount of the energy consumed in your house during the winter goes to your gas furnace, finding one with a high efficiency rating can mean a significant difference in your utility bills. Older furnaces have AFUE ratings between 60% and 80% (meaning they lose about 20% to 40% of their fuel source to exhaust). New special efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings of more than 90%. These high-efficiency furnaces cost more than mid-efficiency models, but they often pay for themselves in a few years.