Replacement Furnace Cost
When researching new furnace cost, it is important to understand the process and vocabulary associated with furnace replacements. Use our furnace installation guide to help you understand what you need to consider when choosing a new heating system, including tax credits, financing, and the vocabulary required. As a Trane dealer, we have years of experience installing all furnace and air conditioner makes and models.
Furnace Replacement: What You Need to Know
There are several issues to consider when choosing a new heating system. While it is essential that a professional, FREE on-site inspection is needed to truly assess your heating system’s needs, the following information can kick start your research process:
Furnace Efficiency Options
There are usually 6 different furnace options, which vary in degree of energy efficiency levels they offer. Your choices are usually grouped into 2 categories: 80% AFUE or 90% Plus AFUE. AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficient, refers to how efficiently a furnace converts fuel to energy and is the standard by which U.S furnaces are rated. The basic ratio is that, if you have an 80% AFUE furnace, 80% of your energy bill goes to heating your home and 20% is wasted fuel. It is important to note that furnaces that are 7-15 years or older can have a lower AFUE rating, meaning that they waste even more energy in the home.
The PLUS in the ‘90% Plus AFUE’ rating refers to the fact that a furnace converts 90% OR MORE into heating. While, this percentage depends on the make, model and brand of furnace you purchase, a 90% Plus AFUE is recommended to those who are concerned with high energy bills. Some manufacturers even offer furnaces with higher efficiencies than others.
Due to the intense winter weather in Colorado, we usually do not recommend 80% AFUE furnaces for residents who are planning to stay in their home for 5 years or more. It may seem financially sound to purchase the most cost-efficient furnace, but what you save in installation will cost you in heating your home.
