How Furnace Efficiency Is Measured

A Guide to Understanding AFUE Ratings

When you're in the market for a new  furnace or boiler for your Chicagoland home, one of the most important factors to consider is its efficiency. Understanding how to measure furnace efficiency through Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings can help you make an smart decision that can help you save energy dollars for years to come.

What is AFUE and Why is it Important?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It's a standardized metric used to evaluate how efficiently a furnace or boiler converts energy from natural gas, propane, or oil into heat. All new furnaces and boilers sold in the U.S. must display their AFUE ratings. This allows consumers to easily compare the efficiency of different models over a typical heating season.

How is AFUE Calculated?

The AFUE rating is calculated as a ratio of the annual heat output produced by a furnace or boiler to its annual fuel consumption. For example, an AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel is converted into heat for your home, while the remaining 10% is lost through the exhaust or other inefficiencies.

Limitations of AFUE Ratings

It's important to note that AFUE ratings don't account for all types of heat loss. For instance, they don't consider heat lost through your home's air duct system, which can account for as much as 35% of total energy loss. Therefore, when upgrading your HVAC system, it's highly recommended to consult with a certified HVAC technician to assess your home's ventilation system.

Why Choose a High-Efficiency Furnace?

Choosing a high-efficiency furnace can significantly reduce your energy bills during our long Chicagoland winters. It's an investment that pays off in the long run, not just in cost savings but also in reducing your carbon footprint.

Tips for Maximizing Furnace Efficiency

In addition to choosing an efficient furnace, there are other steps you can take to improve heating system efficiency.  This includes scheduling heating maintenance checks to ensure your system is running optimally.
    
Sealing gaps around windows and doors and properly insulating your home helps retain heat and reduce the workload on your furnace.

Smart Thermostats

The type of thermostat you use use will also have a significant impact on system efficiency. Consider installing a smart thermostat for more precise control over your heating system. By learning your household's routine a smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature, ensuring that your furnace and air conditioner run only when they are needed.

Understanding AFUE ratings is essential for any homeowner looking to invest in a new heating system. By choosing a high-efficiency model and taking steps to minimize heat loss, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home while saving money and energy.

Have questions about furnace efficiency? Call the experts at MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical.

The Advantages of HVAC System Zoning

Simply put, HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditiioning) zoning involves dividing your home into different areas or 'zones', each controlled independently for heating and cooling. This setup often uses multiple thermostats connected to a central control panel, managing the opening and closing of dampers within the duct work of your home HVAC system. The concept of HVAC zoning is an effective means of enhancing comfort and efficiency throughout your entire home.

How Zoning Works

• Multiple Thermostats: Each zone has its own thermostat for personalized temperature control.
• Central Control Panel: Manages the opening and closing of dampers in the ductwork based on thermostat settings.
• Dampers: Placed in the ductwork to regulate and redirect air to specific zones of the house.

Benefits of Zoning Your HVAC System

Enhanced Comfort

Does your home have rooms that are always too cold or hot? Zoning allows for customized temperature settings in different areas of your home, ensuring optimal comfort for all occupants. This is a big advantage in multistory homes that are served by one furnace and AC unit.

Increased Efficiency

Heating and cooling unoccupied spaces in your home is inefficient and wasteful. By sending conditioned air to only the areas that need it, zoning reduces energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills.

Improved Indoor Climate Control

Gain better control over your home's indoor climate to address issues like low humidity and indoor air quality issues.

Implementing HVAC Zoning in Your Home

Interested in zoning your HVAC system? Contact MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical. Our team of experts in can assess your home's needs and provide a custom tailored zoning solution.

Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels During the Winter

Winter in the Chicagoland area brings not just the chill, but also uncomfortably dry inside air. At MR Plumbing Heating Air Electric, we understand the important role of maintaining proper humidity levels.  Low humidity can significantly reduce indoor air quality, impacting your family's health and comfort. The best solution to the dry winter air is a whole home humidifier that works in conjunction with your home's heating system to provide ideal relative humidity to your indoor climate.

The Effects of Low Humidity on Indoor Air Quality

Low humidity levels in winter can significantly reduce indoor air quality. Dry air allows dust, allergens, viruses and particulates to circulate more freely and persistently. The longer contaminants remain in the air, the more they can exacerbate respiratory problems such as allergies and colds. Moreover, the increase on airborne contamination in dry air reduces the effectiveness of your home’s air filtration and heating systems, leading to uneven heating and higher energy costs.

Health and Comfort Considerations

The human body is sensitive to humidity levels. In winter, low humidity can cause various health issues, including dry skin, irritated eyes, and exacerbated respiratory conditions. It can also lead to a higher susceptibility to colds and flu, as dry air dries out mucous membranes, reducing your body's ability to filter out viruses and bacteria. It has also been shown that viruses such as the coronavirus remain in the air longer the lower humidity levels are.

How Low Humidity Damages Your Home

Your home also feels the effects of low humidity. Wood flooring and furniture are particularly susceptible to dry air, causing wood to crack and warp. This can lead to early replacement or costly repairs and maintenance.

Whole Home Humidifiers: Your Essential Ally In Combating Dry Winter Air

What Are Humidifiers and They and How Do They Work?

Whole home humidifiers integrate with your home's HVAC system to distribute moisture evenly throughout your house. They work by either evaporating water directly into the air or by using a steam system that heats water to create humidity. This ensures a consistent and controlled humidity level in your home, enhancing both comfort and air quality. Humidity levels are adjusted and maintained by your thermostat.


Maintaining proper humidity levels during our cold and dry Chicagoland winters is vital for your health, comfort, and the protection of your home. At MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical, we recommend a whole-home humidifier as a key component of a complete home comfort system.

Looking for expert advice or installation services for whole home humidifiers? Contact us today.

As winter approaches the Chicagoland area, one common plumbing issue we frequently encounter is frozen pipes. A frozen pipe can expand, causing it to rupture. When a pipe bursts it can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. Thankfully, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid frozen pipes in your home – and steps you can take if you find yourself facing this icy predicament this winter.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Seal Exterior Walls and Insulate Pipes
Pipes located near exterior walls are most prone to freezing. Ensure that there is sufficient insulation and seal any cracks that could allow cold are to seep in.

Insulating your pipes help preventing them from freezing. Focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. Use foam pipe insulation or heating tape for this purpose.

Keep the Heat On
Even when you're not home, it's essential that you keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. This consistent temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Seal Drafts
Check for drafts near pipes, especially those leading outside, and seal any gaps. Caulking or weather stripping can be effective in keeping the cold out.

Let Faucets Drip
When extreme cold is in the forecast, allowing a trickle of water to flow through the pipes can prevent freezing. Even a slight drip can make a significant difference.

Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
Open cabinets under sinks that a closest to exterior walls allows warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, which is crucial in preventing pipes from freezing. You can set a minimum temperature, such as 55°F, to ensure that your home stays warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing, even when you're away or asleep.

Some smart thermostats can send alerts to your phone if the temperature in your home drops below a certain point, potentially indicating a malfunctioning heating sytem and increased risk for frozen pipes. This early warning system allows you to take action before the pipes freeze.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Turn Off the Water
If you discover a frozen pipe, the first step is to turn off the main water supply. This action can prevent a burst pipe by reducing pressure and minimize the damage should water start leaking.

Do you know where your home's water shut-off valve is located? It's a good idea to have a plan in place before an emergency.

Apply Heat To Frozen Pipes
When a pipe has frozen, use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to gradually thaw the frozen section. Never use an open flame such as a candle or propane torch as it poses a fire hazard.

When To Call a Professional Plumber
If you're unable to thaw the pipe because of its location, or if it has burst, it's time to call a professional plumber. At MR Plumbing, we're equipped to handle plumbing emergencies swiftly and efficiently. Call us 24/7 for help.

Check Other Pipes
After thawing the affected section of pipe, check other pipes in your home for freezing, it's not uncommon for multiple pipes to be affected.

Taking steps to prevent frozen pipes is a crucial maintenance step for protecting your home's plumbing system during winter. By following these tips and being proactive, you can avoid the inconvenience and potential damage of frozen pipes.  MR PLumbing is always here to help with any plumbing needs or emergencies you might have.

Understanding the Lifespan of Different Pipe Materials

At MR Plumbing, we frequently encounter plumbing systems that have outlived their usefulness. In some cases serious water damage has occurred because early warning signs were ignored. This post will help you recognize the warning signs that could indicate it's time to replace your pipes. We'll also cover the lifespan of different pipe materials and issues with older plumbing systems that might need urgent attention.

Lifespan of Common Plumbing Materials

The type of material used in your home's plumbing system is often determined when it was built.

Copper Pipes
Commonly used in the Chicagoland area starting in the 1960s, they typically last between 50 to 70 years. Known for their durability, they're less prone to corrosion.

Galvanized Steel
Most commonly used prior to the 1960s, these can last 20 to 50 years but are more prone to corrosion over time. The shift towards copper was largely due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of installation when compared to galvanized steel.

PVC Pipes
PVC began to be used for plumbing in the late 1950s and 1960s. Initially, it was primarily used for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping. Its popularity increased over time due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of installation. By the 1970s, it had become widely accepted for use in residential plumbing systems, particularly for sewage lines and exterior applications. Widely used due to their longevity, they can last indefinitely unless physically damaged.

PEX Tubing
PEX plumbing systems were introduced to the U.S. market in the 1980s. They gained significant popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. PEX is known for its flexibility, ease of installation, and resistance to scale and chlorine, making it a preferred choice for interior water supply lines in many new homes and renovation projects. PEX can last more than 50 years.

What Problems Can Occur If Old Or Damaged Pipes Are Not Replaced?

Damaged plumbing can cause a range of issues, from unhealthy drinking water caused by contaminants in old pipes, to unhealthy mold and mildew from water leaks. Water leaks also create an inviting environment for rodents and insects.

Undetected plumbing damage can be very costly, driving your water bills up and causing structural damage to the house.

What Are the Signs It's Time to Replace Your Pipes?

Discoloration or Rust
Brown or yellow water suggests corrosion within your pipes, particularly in steel pipes.

Leaks
Frequent leaks can be a sign of systemic failure and requires prompt attention to prevent catastrophic failure.

Low Water Pressure
Could be due to blockages or breaks in the pipes.

Visible Corrosion
On exposed pipes, visible rust or warping is a clear sign.

Older Pipe Materials and Potential Risks

Lead Pipes
Used in many older homes, lead pipes pose a significant health risk and should be replaced immediately.

Polybutylene Pipes
Prone to breaking and leaks, they are no longer used in new installations.

Clay Sewer Pipes
Susceptible to root intrusion and cracks, requiring regular inspection and potential replacement.

Regular plumbing system maintenance and inspections are key to ensuring the longevity of your plumbing system. If you're living in an older home in the Chicagoland area or notice any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to consider replacing your pipes. At MR Plumbing, we're committed to providing you with expert guidance and solutions for all your home plumbing needs.