Energy Efficiency Ratings: What Do They Mean for Electric Furnaces?

🔍 What Is AFUE?

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how efficiently a furnace converts energy into heat over a season.

• A 100% AFUE furnace converts all energy into heat—no waste.

• Most electric furnaces score between 95%–100%, since they don’t vent combustion gases.

Gas furnaces, by contrast, typically range from 80% to 98% AFUE, depending on design and age.

📘 Understanding AFUE

🌀 What About SEER and HSPF?

While AFUE applies to furnaces, if you’re considering a heat pump, two additional ratings matter:

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) – Measures cooling efficiency

• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) – Measures heating efficiency

Higher SEER or HSPF = lower electricity use for the same heating or cooling output.

📘 U.S. DOE: Energy Efficiency Standards for HVAC Systems

🧊 Why Do Electric Furnaces Score So High?

Because electric furnaces don’t burn fuel or release gases, almost all the electricity they use goes into heating the air. This means:

• No energy lost through flue pipes

• No pilot lights or gas valves

• No carbon monoxide risk

But that doesn’t mean they’re always cheaper to run—electricity costs more per BTU than natural gas in many regions.

📘 National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Electricity vs. Gas Heating Analysis

🏷️ Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label

While most electric furnaces are not ENERGY STAR labeled (since they’re already near 100% AFUE), heat pumps and dual-fuel systems often carry the mark.

ENERGY STAR-certified systems must meet minimum efficiency thresholds:

• SEER ≥ 15.2

• HSPF ≥ 8.8

• AFUE ≥ 90% (for fuel-burning systems)

📘 ENERGY STAR Qualified Products List

📊 Does Efficiency Always Save Money?

Not always. Efficiency helps, but regional electric rates and furnace sizing have a huge impact on your actual monthly bill.

Use a heating cost calculator to compare the annual energy use between different system types based on your zip code.

📘 Heating Cost Calculator

🔚 Final Tip: Match Ratings to Climate and Budget

• Cold climate? You may need a backup heat pump or dual-fuel system.

• Short winter season? A simple electric furnace may be your most efficient and budget-friendly option.

🛒 Ready to Choose a High-Efficiency System?

Explore The Furnace Outlet’s Electric Furnace Collection to find high-performance, efficient models with fast delivery and expert support.

In the next topc you will read about: DIY vs Professional Electric Furnace Installation: What’s Best for You?