In 2009, an effort was undertaken by the U.S. Department of Energy to find ways of reducing energy usage. The DOE worked in conjunction with utilities experts and the HVAC industry to bring about higher HVAC efficiency standards. The current minimum AFUE, annual fuel utilization efficiency, requirement is 78; however, the goal was to implement a higher minimum standard for HVAC efficiency. The new standard set to take effect in 2013 was 90 AFUE, certainly an impressive and much needed efficiency rating, but the new standard proved to be too much at this time. The case was delayed by court order due to the problems associated with homeowners having to change over to a condensing furnace.
Most experts agree that a condensing furnace can help lower energy usage, but these heating systems also bring their own unique challenges. One major problem with condensing furnaces is that they require a completely different setup for venting. These furnaces use two heat exchangers, but even though their primary source of heating a home is by burning gas, the secondary heat exchanger increases energy efficiency by being able to utilize the heat found in the hot water vapor that results from heating with combustible heating equipment.
In most gas heating systems, this hot water vapor is vented out thorough a chimney. Unfortunately, this also results in a significant loss in energy efficiency. The condensing furnace captures the heat in this hot water vapor by condensing the vapor. The process of condensing this vapor releases the heat which can then be used for heating your home rather than sending it up the chimney.
Of course, because of the differences between a typical gas furnace and a condensing furnace, a home will need to be retrofitted in order to make use of this highly efficient heating system. The difficulties and expense of retrofitting a home for this type of heating was something that the HVAC industry pointed out in their argument against raising the AFUE minimum requirements.
Today, the case is still with the courts, but you can certainly get very efficient HVAC equipment. Whether you choose to upgrade to a condensing furnace or you want a traditional high efficiency furnace, a local HVAC contractor will be able to help. Give a professional HVAC contractor a call and see how they can help you increase energy efficiency or take care of your other HVAC concerns.
