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How do you tell how old your furnace is and how efficient is it anyways?
Furnaces have been around for a long time and they have evolved durastically in the last 50 years . Being a homeowner its hard to know how old your system is and how efficient it is. below we have layed out some basics to help you identify and understand what type of furnace you might have.
1. Low-Efficiency Furnaces
What are they? Low-efficiency furnaces were common in homes built before the early 1980s. They are often larger and bulkier compared to modern models. Here are some key features to look for:
Metal Exhaust Venting: Low-efficiency furnaces usually have metal exhaust pipes.
Standing Pilot Light: They use a standing pilot light that's always on, consuming a small amount of gas.
No Exhaust Ventilation Motor: These furnaces lack an exhaust ventilation motor, which is typical in more modern models.
Efficiency Range: Low-efficiency furnaces typically have an efficiency rating between 55% and 78%.
Efficiency Equation (for every $1 of natural gas):
$0.55 to $0.78 of heat makes it into your home.
$0.22 to $0.45 is lost out the vent.
Approximate Age: If your home was built before the early 1980s and you have not upgraded your furnace, you likely have a low-efficiency model.
2. Mid-Efficiency Furnaces
What are they? Mid-efficiency furnaces were popular from the 1980s until 2010 in Canada. They offer better efficiency than low-efficiency models. Here are their notable features:
Metal Exhaust Venting: Like low-efficiency furnaces, mid-efficiency models have metal exhaust venting.
Ventilation Motor: They have a ventilation motor, which helps with energy efficiency.
Efficiency Range: Mid-efficiency furnaces typically have an efficiency rating between 78% and 82%.
Efficiency Equation (for every $1 of natural gas):
$0.78 of heat makes it into your home.
$0.18 to $0.22 is lost out the vent.
Approximate Age: If your furnace was installed between the 1980s and 2010 in Canada, it's likely a mid-efficiency model.
3. High-Efficiency Furnaces
What are they? High-efficiency furnaces are the latest and most efficient models. They've been around since the late 1980s and are still manufactured today. Here are their characteristics:
Plastic Venting: Look for white or black plastic vent pipes; these are common in high-efficiency furnaces.
Plastic Ventilation Motor: They come equipped with a plastic ventor motor, which is part of their advanced efficiency technology.
Efficiency Range: High-efficiency furnaces typically have an efficiency rating between 90% and 98.5%.
Efficiency Equation (for every $1 of natural gas):
$0.90 to $0.985 of heat makes it into your home.
$0.015 to $0.10 is lost out the vent.
Approximate Age: If your furnace was installed after the late 1980s or more recently, it's probably a high-efficiency model.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between low, mid, and high-efficiency furnaces and their respective cost of operation can help you make an informed decision when it's time to replace or upgrade your heating system. While high-efficiency furnaces offer the best energy savings and performance, They are an expensive item to replace, so with proper maintenance and safety inspections older furnaces can run reliably and safely. If you need assisstance with identifying what type of furnace you have or would like to Book a furnace tune up and safety inspection give Airology a call today 587-837-4111 or reach us at https://Airology.ca