Heating FAQs

Heating efficiency is measured with the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings scale, generally abbreviated AFUE. Effectively, this rating tells you how much of the fuel consumed by a heating system is converted into heat for your home. Furnaces with AFUE ratings of 80% use 80% of the fuel they consume to create heat. Every York furnace currently on the market has an AFUE rating of at least 80%. However, York’s highest end furnaces carry AFUE ratings of up to 98%. Yorks’ Affinity line is one of the highest rated in this regard, providing a tremendous opportunity to save a lot of money on monthly home heating costs.

Keep in mind as well that heating systems built today tend to be at least 50% more efficient than those built just 10-15 years ago. So, if you have an existing heating system and you install a replacement, you’ll start to save money almost immediately due to the increased efficiency of your new system.

Because heat pumps do not consume fuel in the same way as a standard furnace, they are measured with a different rating scale – the HSPF scale. Additionally, heat pumps are given a SEER rating to reflect their overall air conditioning efficiency. These numbers will relate directly to how much energy is used by the system each year to produce heating and cooling.

Most heating systems, if they are properly maintained for the entirety of their lifespan, will last for anywhere from 15-25 years. The standard limited warranty provided by York guarantees parts and the heating unit itself for 10-20 years, but most systems will last much longer with proper care from a trusted York dealer and contractor.

With so many options available, it’s hard to know which type of heating system is right for your home. In particular, should you choose a heat pump or a furnace? In most cases, a heat pump is a more energy efficient option that allows you to both heat and cool your home throughout the year. If you don’t already have a heat pump installed and winter temperatures in your climate are generally very low, you may want to consider installing a furnace as a supplement or alternative to your heat pump. However, if you have electricity only and no gas hookup, electric heating is very expensive and will add up quickly as your system ages.

The typical heating system should be serviced by a professional annually. That visit includes a variety of checkups and updates to the system. The furnace filters should be cleaned, as well as the ducts and vents around your home. The indoor heating coils need to be cleaned thoroughly to remove any buildup of dust and debris as well. If you don’t clean your coils regularly, the efficiency of your furnace will decrease substantially over time.