What does AFUE stand for in relation to gas furnaces?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which is a critical measure used to determine the efficiency of gas furnaces. This metric indicates how effectively a furnace converts the energy in its fuel into heat over the course of a year. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the furnace is, meaning it uses less fuel to provide the same amount of heat compared to lower-rated units.

For instance, an AFUE rating of 90% means that 90 cents of every dollar spent on fuel will be used for heating the home, with only 10 cents wasted. This efficiency rating helps consumers make informed decisions about their heating systems, influencing both environmental impact and energy costs. Understanding AFUE is essential for anyone involved in the installation, maintenance, or evaluation of gas heating appliances, as it directly relates to energy consumption and cost-effectiveness in home heating.