What does AFUE mean?
AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy efficient the equipment is. A higher AFUE can result in lower energy costs. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, www.gamanet.org, publishes a directory of certified AFUE ratings. Disclaimer: ASHRAE Technical Services Staff responds to technical inquiries and has compiled answers to the following consumer frequently asked questions (FAQs). Answers to consumer FAQs are provided as a service specifically for homeowners and the general public. While every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy and reliability, they are advisory and provided for informational purposes only, and in many cases represent only one person’s view. They are not intended and should not be relied on as an official statement of ASHRAE.
A. AFUE stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.” To understand the importance of the measurement, let’s look at a gas furnace. If the furnace burns 78 percent AFUE, this means that 78 percent of the heat is being utilized in the home and 22 percent is going up the chimney or flue. Because vent-free products do not have a chimney or flue, all of the heat enters the room, therefore their manufacturers advertise “99 percent AFUE.” If the unit is a gas fireplace insert, the AFUE measurement may equal that of a heating appliance rather than a decorative appliance such as gas logs. Gas logs give off heat, but because of the opened damper in the chimney, much of the heat goes up and out. Subsequently, the heat is radiant and warms the room…the same type of heat that comes from a cozy wood burning fire. Q.How much will my gas fireplace cost to burn for the season? Update: 2006 – Gas Prices are going up and down quickly as with other energy. Be sure to check the current cost in your a
