How Do I Find The Efficiency Rating Of My Furnace?

How can you tell the level of efficiency of a gas furnace?


  Look for the EnerGuide label    

To determine the efficiency level of a gas furnace, check its EnerGuide rating on the back page of the manufacturer's brochure – the higher the rating, the more efficient the model. Check where the EnerGuide rating is situated on the scale to see if the furnace you are buying is in the high-efficiency zone.

Even better, just look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol              

Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency promotes the international ENERGY STAR symbol in Canada. The symbol identifies products that use less energy, thereby helping you save money and help protect the environment. The symbol can be found on the furnace, on the packaging or in promotional or educational literature. Only the top energy performers are eligible to use the ENERGY STAR symbol – residential gas furnaces must have an AFUE rating of 90 or higher to qualify.

If you decide to purchase a high-efficiency furnace, you should also consider installing a programmable thermostat that will allow you to preset household temperatures for specific times of the day and night. As a general rule, you can save 2 percent on your heating bill for every 1°C you turn down the thermostat. However, the temperature setback should not be set lower than 17°C. Some thermostats offer you the ability to separate weekday and weekend programs, each with up to four customized temperature settings, thereby maximizing your energy savings.