If you are buying a new boiler for your home heating needs, make sure you select one that is efficient and affordable. Boiler manufacturers are required to disclose how well the boiler produces heat by displaying its AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the boiler in terms of how much fuel gets converted into heat. The minimum rating allowed for boilers varies depending on the type of boiler.
There are several types of boilers on the market, and they differ by the fuel and medium. Hot water boilers heat the home with hot water, while steam boilers heat the home with steam. The fuel source is usually either oil or gas.
The minimum AFUE rating for these boilers are:
- Oil fired hot water boiler – 84 percent
- Oil fired steam boiler – 82 percent
- Gas fired hot water boiler – 82 percent
- Gas fired steam boiler – 80 percent
Make sure you understand these are minimum standards, and you can obtain greater efficiency by buying a higher AFUE boiler. More efficient condensing boilers (90 percent plus AFUE) utilize heat from the condensation of water vapor in a second heat exchanger. These boilers have a much higher up-front cost, but they will reduce energy costs over the boiler’s lifetime.
Buying a new boiler has never been easier, thanks to the expert HVAC technicians at Climate Control Company. The residents and businesses of Western Colorado have relied on our company since 1956. Contact us today for all of your heating and air conditioning needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Aspen, Vail and the surrounding Western slope communities in Colorado about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about buying a new boiler and other HVAC topics, please visit our website.
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