Make the Most of Your Decision – Choose High-Efficiency Gas Heating Equipment

Whenever a heating system is replaced, it’s a decision that comes with much consideration. It’s something that may only happen every 20-30 years. And it often comes with a hefty price tag. Because of that, you want to feel confident you’re choosing the right equipment.

With high-efficiency gas heating equipment, you’ll get plenty of comfort without the hassle of high energy or repair bills.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when shopping for a heating system.

The number to know: Efficiency rating

Heating equipment efficiency is determined by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the unit.

The minimum allowable AFUE for new equipment is 80% and was set by the federal government all the way back in 1992, a time before the average person knew the Internet existed. An 80% AFUE rating means that for every $1 of energy, 20 cents worth of fuel is wasted.

These days, high-efficiency furnaces feature AFUE ratings between 95-97%. Efficient boilers feature AFUE ratings of 90% or better.

Size

It is important to install a properly sized heating system. A system that is too large will be wildly inefficient and a system that is too small may be overworked or fail to provide adequate heat.

A professional HVAC installer will help you determine the appropriate size of the equipment you need by conducting a heat-loss evaluation. This involves examining the amount of insulation, measuring the square footage of your home, and taking into account your desired indoor temperature.

This may be a good time to improve the weatherization of your home by adding insulation and sealing areas where heat escapes. By doing so, not only will you improve the efficiency of your new heating system, but you may be able to select a smaller model.

Price

High-efficiency equipment often comes with a higher sticker price. But don’t let that dissuade you. When you take into account the annual utility cost savings with a more efficient heating system, the extra costs will be paid back in just a few years. For example, comparing a 90% AFUE furnace with an 80% AFUE model will net an estimated $115 in annual energy savings.

Even more, efficient heating equipment is made more affordable with rebates and 0% financing offered by the Sponsors of Mass Save^®. If you’re replacing an older functioning system (a furnace that’s over 12 years old or a boiler that’s over 30 years old), you may be eligible for up to $1,000 for a high-efficiency furnace or $3,250 for a high-efficiency boiler. If your current equipment is broken or relatively young, you may be eligible a slightly smaller rebate amount (up to $750 for a furnace or up to $2,500 for a boiler). Choosing a heating system that will lower your bills while keeping you comfortable just got a lot easier.

For more information on rebates and financing on efficient heating equipment, check out this page.