What does AFUE stand for in relation to furnace efficiency?

The term AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This measurement indicates how efficiently a furnace converts the energy in fuel into heat over the course of a year. It is expressed as a percentage, representing the ratio of the heat output to the total energy input. A higher AFUE percentage means that more energy from the fuel is being used effectively to heat a space, which typically translates to lower energy costs and improved environmental impact. Understanding AFUE is critical for selecting energy-efficient heating systems and can help homeowners make informed decisions about their heating options.