Alternatives To Gas Furnaces And Central Air Conditioners

Over half your home energy use goes to temperature control. It's your HVAC system's most important job, so it's equally important to find the right system.


When choosing a new heating and cooling system for your home, there are a few things to decide. What kind of system will you get? What models will you choose? What about energy efficiency? The most popular systems are gas furnaces and central air conditioners. With these two types of HVAC appliances, there are two measurements that are the most vital.

The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a measurement of a furnace's ability to produce heat in comparison to the amount of energy it uses. The national minimum is 78 (out of 100), with the higher the number equaling higher efficiency. This will have a direct effect your gas bill.

The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of a central air conditioner. The federal minimum rating is 13 and the maximum is 23, with certain parts of the country having higher minimums. The higher the rating, the less money you'll pay in electricity to run your air conditioner. There are alternatives to gas furnaces and central air conditioners. The infographic below, from Davis Air Conditioning & Heating, is full of useful information about the features and benefits available with a variety of new high-efficiency systems, so you can make the best choice for your home and family.