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Rull
Bros
Delivering
home-town service and warmth to your family
The
Heat Is On: Determining the Efficiency of Your Appliances
Propane gas
is an efficient, reliable source of fuel for home heating. Of course,
energy efficiency is also determined by the heating appliance. To
determine just how efficient a gas furnace or boiler is, find the
AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating on the manufacturer's
yellow "Energy Guide Label." Mid-efficiency furnaces have
AFUE ratings of 79% to 89% AFUE, compared to 90% or higher for high-efficiency
furnace units. This means that more than 80% of the heat generated
in the home is usable. As expected, higher AFUE ratings mean lower
operating costs over the life of the system.
More than just
being energy-efficient, propane gas heat is also comfortable because
it creates heat that is noticeably warmer than body temperature.
When gas heat is circulated, it warms evenly, creating a comfortable
feeling throughout the home. In contrast, some electric heating
systems deliver heat at 95 degrees F, which is below normal body
temperature. That is why the heated air still feels chilly to the
skin, regardless of the thermostat reading. The problem results
from electric air-to-air heat pumps, which extract heat from outdoor
air. As the temperature drops outdoors, so does the heat generated
inside the home. Electric geothermal heat pumps absorb heat from
the ground instead of air, but like air-to-air heat pumps, they
lack the efficiency and comfort of propane gas heat.
You know the
HEAT IS ON with propane gas!
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