AFUE Furnace Savings Calculator
See how much you could save on heating costs by upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace. Customize for your home and get a 15-year savings projection.
AFUE Energy Savings Calculator
See how much you could save with a high-efficiency furnace
Current Furnace
AFUE
Upgraded Furnace
AFUE
Savings
Efficiency Gain
Annual
$510
per year
5-Year
$2,567
total savings
10-Year
$5,173
total savings
15-Year
$7,818
total savings*
Based on $17.33/Mcf (North Carolina). *Assumes 0.30% annual rate increase.
Ready to start saving?
Understanding AFUE Ratings
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel (natural gas) into heat over a typical heating season. An AFUE of 95% means 95 cents of every dollar spent on fuel becomes heat for your home, while 5 cents is lost through exhaust.
Older furnaces from the 1980s and 1990s typically have AFUE ratings of 60-80%. Today's minimum standard is 80% AFUE, but high-efficiency models reach 95-98% AFUE, dramatically reducing wasted energy.
AFUE Rating Guide
| AFUE Range | Efficiency Level | Typical Age/Type |
|---|---|---|
| 60-70% AFUE | Low Efficiency | 1980s-1990s furnaces |
| 80% AFUE | Standard Efficiency | Budget models, minimum standard |
| 90-95% AFUE | High Efficiency | Most popular, condensing furnaces |
| 96-98% AFUE | Ultra High Efficiency | Premium models, maximum savings |
Higher AFUE = Lower Bills
Going from 80% to 95% AFUE can cut heating costs by 15-20%.
Two-Stage & Modulating
High-efficiency furnaces often include variable heating for better comfort.
Sealed Combustion
90%+ AFUE furnaces use sealed combustion for safety and efficiency.
PVC Venting
Condensing furnaces use inexpensive PVC pipes instead of metal flues.
What Affects Your Actual Savings?
Climate & Usage
- • Charlotte has moderate winters (1,800-2,000 heating hours)
- • Your thermostat settings significantly impact usage
- • How often you're home during winter days
Home Factors
- • Square footage and ceiling height
- • Insulation quality (attic, walls, crawlspace)
- • Window efficiency and air sealing
System Factors
- • Proper sizing (oversized furnaces waste energy)
- • Quality of installation
- • Ductwork condition and sealing
Current System
- • Your current furnace's actual AFUE
- • Age and maintenance history
- • Current natural gas rate from your utility
80% AFUE vs 95% AFUE: Which Is Right for You?
80% AFUE Furnace
- +Lower upfront cost ($500-800 less)
- +Uses existing metal flue venting
- +Simpler installation
- −Higher operating costs
- −20% of fuel wasted as exhaust
Best for: Budget-focused, mild climates, short-term ownership
95%+ AFUE Furnace
RECOMMENDED- +15-20% lower heating bills
- +Only 5% fuel wasted
- +Often includes variable-speed blower
- +More even heating, quieter operation
- −Higher upfront cost
- −Requires condensate drain
Best for: Long-term savings, comfort-focused, most Charlotte homes
Ready for Real Numbers?
This calculator gives estimates based on averages. For exact savings projections based on your home, current system, and usage patterns, let our experts perform a free evaluation.
- Free in-home evaluation
- Multiple efficiency options to compare
- Upfront pricing – no surprises
- Financing options available (0% for 18 months)
Get a Free Furnace Quote
No obligation. No pressure. Just honest recommendations from a family-owned company.
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