Furnace Service, AFUE and What They Mean for You in Des Moines

December 31, 2015

Curious temperature changes and the expectation of early spring can let us down as we wait until the end of the winter season. With the erratic weather this time of year, it’s vital to make sure that your furnace service is complete and that your furnace is ready for any weather shift. Part of owning and using a furnace is understanding the system and preparing for when it might call for repair or maintenance. A furnace’s AFUE (Annual Furnace Utilization Efficiency) is a central measurement to note and can inform you what kind of efficiency you can expect from your system. If you are unsure of your AFUE, this percentage can be verified at your next furnace service appointment from one of our professionals at Heartland Heating & Cooling.

So, what does this AFUE rating mean for you? What types of things should you take into account with AFUE?


  • The older your furnace is, the littler its AFUE will also be. This means less energy efficiency than with a new furnace each winter when your system is in use.
  • Think about your AFUE percentage in relation to money – if your AFUE is 75%, that means that for every $100 you use heating your home, only $75 is spent to heat your home.

Bearing in mind the age of your furnace and the potential of overspending on your heating costs has hopefully given some insight into the weight of your furnace’s AFUE. There are many elements that go into selecting a new furnace or remaining with your furnace service plan. Over time however, lower efficiency levels can significantly effect your energy usage, monthly bills and comfort. Don’t disregard the AFUE rating of your furnace and reflect on it when deciding whether it’s time for furnace replacement.

If you have any further uncertainties about furnaces, or you just want some help finding the AFUE rating of your current furnace, give our experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling a call at 515-344-3579.