A Homeowner’s Guide to High-Efficiency Heating Equipment
When winter arrives in New England, reliable and efficient heating becomes a top priority for New Hampshire homeowners. While today’s heating oil can play a role in overall performance, the efficiency of your heating equipment can make or break your energy and cost savings. Understanding what “high-efficiency” actually means can help you make informed decisions that support comfort and long-term energy use throughout the colder months.
What Does “High-Efficiency” Really Mean?
High-efficiency heating refers to systems designed to convert more of the fuel used into usable heat for your home or business. The more efficiently this equipment operates, the less energy is lost during the heating process. This is where AFUE ratings come in.
Understanding AFUE Ratings
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and measures how effectively a heating system converts fuel into heat. The ratings represent the percentage of fuel it uses to heat your property. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the system operates.
For example, if your heating system has a 90% AFUE rating, it converts 90% of the fuel it uses into heat, while the remaining 10% is lost through exhaust or other inefficiencies.
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What Is Considered High-Efficiency?
Efficiency ranges can vary by system type and age, but the general guidelines are typically:
- Standard Efficiency: 80%-89%
- High-Efficiency: 90% or greater
As equipment ages, normal wear and gradual performance changes can reduce how efficiently it operates. A general rule of thumb is to subtract 5% efficiency for each year of your heating system’s operation. Meaning that if your heating system has a 95% AFUE rating and it is 5 years old, it likely runs at 90% efficiency.
The Benefits of a High-Efficiency Heating System
When properly sized and maintained, high-efficiency heating systems can offer noticeable improvements to your property, like:
- Up to 30% potential annual savings on heating costs
- More consistent indoor temperatures
- Improved system reliability and smoother operation
- And more
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Contact a Local Professional to Upgrade Your Heating Equipment
Choosing a New Hampshire fuel provider ensures you are working with someone who understands the unique climate demands of the region, the fuel you are using, and how they impact home heating systems. When you work with a trusted local team, you can feel confident that your equipment upgrade is handled with experience, knowledge, and care.