Facts About Furnaces
Furnaces are heating systems used in residential and industrial settings. Forced-air furnaces use a fan to distribute heated air through ducts. Furnaces can run on electricity, gas or fuel oil. Does this Spark an idea?
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Significance
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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, furnaces are the most common residential heating systems in the United States. They distribute heated air through ducts in floors, walls and ceilings.
Industrial
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Furnaces are used in the manufacture or manipulation of ceramics, glass, steel, iron and aluminum. They were used for metallurgical purposes as early as 1200 B.C.
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Gas vs. Oil Furnaces
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Natural gas is the most popular and economical furnace energy source in the United States and is considered efficient and environmentally friendly. Natural gas is less than 30 percent of electricity's cost, according to the Department of Energy.
Furnace Efficiency Rating
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The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures heat production in comparison to fuel use. The rating represents the percentage of properly utilized fuel. For example, a rating of 85 percent would mean that amount of fuel is converted to heat, but 15 percent is wasted. Furnaces sold in the United States must have a minimum AFUE of 78 percent.
Energy Star
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Energy Star is a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. The program recognizes and promotes appliances that meet energy efficiency standards. To qualify for an Energy Star label, gas furnaces must have a minimum 90 percent AFUE rating, and oil furnaces must have a rating of least 85 percent.
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