If you’ve ever taken a computer to a professional for repairs, you know how impressive it is when they diagnose problems so easily. We tell them what this magical thing is doing and they immediately say something crazy like, “Oh, yeah, that’s your EEG ROC bifurcated flux capacitor.” What? Well, at Schnelle Heating & Air, we are on the good side of interpreting noises and diagnosing symptoms when it comes to your HVAC system. And while using acronyms - that feel like inside jokes you’re not a part of - is fun, we recognize that not everyone has the knowledge or ability to diagnose problems. Today, we would like to impart to you some tricks or measures to determine if you have a high efficiency heater, make sure it is running at its optimal level, and offer some solutions to improve its effectiveness.
STEP ONE - Knowing the Attainable Performance
Let’s find out first if the unit is technically a high efficiency heater. This will tell us what the performance we should be getting. Start by locating the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency rating) sticker on the face plate. The number listed is a measure of what percentage of the fuel the system effectively converts into heat. A rating of 80 means the unit wastes 20 percent of its fuel. In order to be classified as a high efficiency heater, the rating needs to be between 90 and 97. Since the unit will not exceed the AFUE, our goal is to get the performance to that published rating. If you cannot locate the label on the furnace, just search the model number online and the rating will be easily accessible.
STEP TWO - Follow the Money
Use an estimation tool for determining the anticipated expenses of running your particular model in your home. If you are using significantly more fuel than the calculator suggests, you may need to call your HVAC service provider for a visit. Not only does an unexpectedly high usage cost you money in the short term on your monthly statements, it may also indicate significant, and often costly, problems with your HVAC system.
STEP THREE - Use Your Senses
If you have a healthy high efficiency heater, the air should enter the room warm and with sufficient force, and sound, smell, and look normal after your inspection and that of a professional technician.
Feel if the system seems to be working well by checking the temperature of the incoming air and the airflow in every room.
Look for signs of blockage in ductwork and dirty air filters.
Smell for burning, dusty (other than the first ignition after long periods of inactivity), or musky odors.
Listen for abnormal sounds like clanking, screeching, or overall sounds of distress.
Taste the air. Just kidding. Wanted to keep you awake.
STEP FOUR - Improve Your Efficiency
One step you can take to increase your efficiency is to have an HVAC technician optimize the high efficiency heater with a tune up. Contact Schnelle Heating & Air if you are near Joplin, Missouri and the four state area. We have the experience and dedication to thoroughly check for and rectify any problems with your HVAC system.
The other option is to replace the unit with one having an even higher AFUE rating. (Also make sure you are using the proper size of unit). Although this is pricey up front, the lower heating bills and happier inhabitants go a long way to offset those expenses. Check out this replacement return on investment calculator to see if a new heater is right for you. Schnelle Heating & Air can help you with replacement as well. We have a good selection of great heaters and well-trained, experienced technicians!