What Makes a New Furnace so Energy Efficient?

Heating systems are designed to last a long time. If you’re looking to upgrade your furnace—chances are it’s been about a decade (or more) since you’ve seen the available options. One of the biggest differences you’ll notice with newer systems is that they are more energy efficient than previous models.

Currently, the Canadian government requires all new furnaces to have at least a 92% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. That means, on average, only 8% of the fuel consumed is being wasted. If you’re using a heating system from the 1990s, you probably have a furnace with an 80% AFUE rating—meaning 20% of the fuel you use is going to waste.

So what has changed to drastically increase furnace efficiency? Adding an additional heat exchanger and moving to sealed combustion are two changes that have helped increase efficiency.

Additional Heat Exchanger
There are two heat exchangers in new high efficiency furnaces. The second exchanger converts condensed gas into usable heat that would have otherwise been exhausted. An additional benefit of this second heat exchanger is that the little gas that is produced is cool enough to be vented through the wall with only plastic piping.

Sealed Combustion
Older heating systems use air from inside the home for the combustion process and then cold, outside air leaks in to compensate. New furnaces have sealed combustion—where an air-intake pipe supplies air for combustion—leaving the warm air inside your home.

Canada HVAC only sells high efficiency furnaces—but we have a number of different models to fit your needs and budget.

Try our online sizing calculator today to see how easy it is to get an instant quote for your new heating system!

Canada HVAC is a licensed, bonded and insured company with over 30 years of industry experience between all our partners. We work with local HVAC contractors who have been vetted and certified and together we provide air conditioning and furnace installation and repair at unbeatable prices with unmatched guarantees.

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