High-Efficiency Boilers: How To Choose A Better-Performing SystemHot water boilers supply the heat for both baseboard and radiant floor heating systems. If you have one have one of these systems in your home, consider purchasing a high-efficiency boiler to help lower your energy usage and reduce your utility bills. Modern technology has made newer boilers far more efficient than older ones, so purchasing a new model is a great way to get the most benefit from your energy dollar.

Here are two important terms to understand, both of which will help in your search for a high-efficiency boiler.

  1. AFUE: Boilers are rated on their energy efficiency according to a ranking system called annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE.  Units that are more energy efficient have higher AFUE rankings than less efficient models. Boiler made since 1992 must have an AFUE of at least 80 percent, according to government regulations. Older boilers may have an AFUE of only 55-65 percent, so getting a high-efficiency model will repay the purchase cost through less energy usage.
  2. Energy Star designation: Buying a unit that has received the government’s Energy Star designation ensures that your home will have a high-efficiency boiler to power your heating system. The Energy Star label is awarded only to products that have been tested and shown to save a significant amount of energy compared with less efficient units.All Energy Star-labeled boilers must have an AFUE rating of at least 85 percent and include electric ignition, which saves energy by avoiding the use of a constantly burning pilot light; new fuel technology, which allow boilers to produce more heat from the fuel source than older units; and sealed combustion, which increases safety by fueling the burner with air from the outside.

For more information about installing a high-efficiency boiler in your home, contact the experts at Stack Heating & Cooling. We have proudly served the Cleveland metro area since 1976.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about high-efficiency boilers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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