| According to the U.S. Department of Energy, | | | | efficiency is worth the extra initial cost. In a |
| most homes in the United States heat with either | | | | warmer climate, however, efficiencies in the 80 |
| furnaces or boilers. What's the difference? | | | | percent range are sufficient. |
| Furnaces heat the air, air ducts distribute the | | | | Another way to increase heating efficiency is by |
| heated air through the house. Boilers, on the other | | | | improving the overall energy efficiency of the |
| hand, heat with either steam or hot water. Pipes | | | | home, which can be done with weather stripping, |
| carry the steam to steam radiators, while hot | | | | insulation, window treatments, and other relatively |
| water is distributed through baseboard radiators | | | | simple modifications. Programmable thermostats |
| or radiant floors. Steam boilers are less efficient | | | | and improved ductwork (through sealing and |
| that hot water boilers, but newer models of all | | | | insulating) can also reduce heat loss dramatically. A |
| furnaces and boilers are more energy efficient | | | | house that is more energy efficient loses less |
| than older ones. | | | | heat so it needs a smaller heating system. By |
| Older furnaces and boilers were typically 56 to 70 | | | | "tightening" their homes, homeowners will save |
| percent efficient; energy efficient modern heating | | | | money because the home needs a smaller |
| systems, such as those manufactured by Carrier | | | | system and because the system will burn less |
| or Lennox, can be as high as 95 percent efficient. | | | | fuel. |
| A heating system that is 95 percent efficient | | | | When buying major home appliances, whether it's |
| converts almost all the fuel to heat, significantly | | | | a heating system, an air conditioner, or a heat |
| reducing both fuel costs and carbon dioxide | | | | pump, it's important to buy quality equipment. In |
| emissions. The Department of Energy estimates a | | | | addition to comparing energy efficiency, |
| homeowner will save $37.80 for every $100.00 of | | | | homeowners should look for a manufacturer with |
| fuel costs by increasing the efficiency of his or | | | | a strong reputation and good warrantee, such as |
| her heating system from 60 percent to 95 | | | | Carrier or Lennox. Correct installation and |
| percent. | | | | maintenance of equipment is also important. |
| Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is the | | | | Homeowners should ask friends and neighbors for |
| measure of the efficiency of a central boiler or | | | | names of dependable, local contractors. They |
| furnace. New furnaces and boilers must show the | | | | should only use licensed and insured contractors, |
| AFUE on the equipment to allow consumers to | | | | and check references. The Department of Energy |
| compare the efficiency of various makes and | | | | recommends that homeowners get at least three |
| models. Heat pumps can help increase efficiency. | | | | detailed written bids. The quality of the equipment |
| While some old furnaces or boilers can be | | | | and the quality of the installation will determine |
| retrofitted for greater efficiency, replacement of | | | | how efficiently and how reliably the system will |
| an inefficient or worn out furnace or boiler is | | | | operate. Whether the system is for heating or |
| often the simplest and most cost-effective | | | | cooling, there is nothing more frustrating and |
| solution. Furnaces and boilers with the EnergyStar | | | | potentially dangerous than a system that does |
| label are the most efficient. In a cold climate | | | | not work properly. |
| buying a heating system with 95 percent | | | | |