10/22/2026
Heating season is almost here in the Twin Cities. If you have an older furnace, you may be paying for fuel that never turns into heat.
What "high-efficiency" means
Every furnace has an AFUE rating, which is the percentage of fuel it converts into heat. Ratings run from 80% to 98%. A furnace rated 90% or higher counts as high-efficiency. On an 80% unit, 20 cents of every heating dollar goes out the vent.
What's inside a high-efficiency furnace
• Modulating burners: adjust fuel flow in small steps to match how much heat your home needs
• Variable-speed blower motor: changes speed with heating demand for more even temperatures from room to room
• Secondary heat exchanger: pulls extra heat out of exhaust gases and moves it back into your home's air
• Sealed combustion: draws outside air to burn fuel and vents exhaust outdoors, which helps indoor air quality
What homeowners get
• Energy bill savings, often more than 30% compared to older models
• Possible rebates on qualifying equipment
• Quieter operation and better air filtration
• A selling point that can raise home resale value
• Less fuel burned, which means fewer emissions
For bigger savings, pair your new furnace with a smart thermostat, zoned heating, or a furnace humidifier.
Check out our website for more information.