Keep Your Green Hills Home Efficient to Maximize Furnace AFUE

by Greg Leisgang on February 27, 2014

Posted in: Furnaces

If you are looking for energy efficient furnace replacements, keep in mind that a furnace's annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) will only meet its full potential under certain conditions. First, the furnace must be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to keep it running efficiently. Secondly, your home must already meet certain energy efficiency requirements including air sealing, duct design and insulation, which will mitigate energy loss and excessive wear and tear.

The following are steps you can take to keep your Green Hills home efficient and maximize furnace AFUE.


furnace afueSeal air leaks
. If there are any air leaks in your home's envelope, warm conditioned air will escape right through them. Walk around the exterior of your home and locate any visible cracks, gaps, or holes in the siding and chimney. Use caulk to seal them. Pay extra attention to where the siding meets your foundation and any exterior penetrations caused by electrical and plumbing work. Make sure all of your windows and doors are sealed with weatherstripping, and replace any seals that are old and worn.

Have your ducts inspected. Most people replace their furnace because it is old, which means the duct system may be outdated as well. Prior to the last decade or so, duct systems were designed for cost effectiveness rather than energy efficiency. It may be worth it to invest in a re-design of your duct system. At the very least, your ducts should be clean, tightly sealed, and insulated for maximum efficiency.

Upgrade insulation. Energy efficiency standards for insulation have changed in recent years. Use this map with Recommended Levels of Insulation as a guideline. Cincinnati is located in Zone 4, although the surrounding areas spread into Zone 5. Verify that the R-value of your attic, crawl space and exterior wall insulation meets the current efficiency requirements. Remember that the insulation in your attic should come to no less than 1-inch below the floor joists.

Contact Tri-County Heating and Cooling to schedule regular HVAC and furnace maintenance in your Green Hills home. We'll do our best to optimize your furnace's AFUE.

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