Call now for service!
(703) 493-1200
Call now for service!
(703) 493-1200Call now for service!
(703) 493-1200Call now for service!
(703) 493-1200Our Blog
When it comes to the furnace in you Fairfax home, efficiency matters. The more efficient your heating system, the lower your energy bills. To calculate a furnace’s energy cost, you need to consider both the type of gas it burns and the electricity required to operate the unit’s blowers and controls.
How effective a furnace is capable of converting gas into heat is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating reflects the percentage of the fuel consumed that’s actually used for heating the home. The higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace.
Modern furnaces are especially efficient compared to older units. In the 1970s, most gas furnaces had an AFUE around 65 percent. This meant that only 65 percent of the fuel was used to create heat, while the rest was lost through the process. The lowest efficiency allowed for gas furnaces today is AFUE 78, but most energy efficient models offer an AFUE in the high 90s.
When it comes to purchasing a new furnace system, you’ll notice that prices generally rise in tandem with fuel efficiency. However, it’s important to remember that while you’ll likely pay more upfront for a high efficiency gas furnace, these initial costs will be recouped over the equipment’s lifetime in the form of lower utility bills. How quickly you recoup the initial cost and how much you end up saving over the long term depends on local climate factors, how well your home is insulated, and how much your gas and electricity costs are.
To help you select the appropriate efficiency rated system for you, ask your HVAC contractor to select a range of different models and calculate an annual estimated operating cost. This operating cost should factor in local gas and electricity rates and your home’s specific heating characteristics. If you’re concerned about the environment, it’s also important to note that more efficient furnaces will generate fewer emissions.
To learn more about high efficiency furnaces, or to schedule a consultation, contact your local experts at HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited Heating & Air today.
We have staff on call 24/7 to provide assistance to our customers. We provide emergency service up to 8pm for all customers and 24/7 for contract customers. For quick, efficient emergency services, please call (703) 493-1200 immediately.
After being told by another company I would need to replace my nine year old units, Jeremy was able to diagnose the issue that caused the problem and fixed the units for much less than replacement. He was on time and kept me informed every step of the way.
Jeremy explained everything really well and was ibcredibly informative and nice!
Andre rocks at his job and always explains what he’s doing and how to maintain my unit! Very adept at his job and I never worry about the issue, because I know he is excellent and knows what he’s doing!
Jeremy was professional and extremely helpful in making certain our HVAC unit was functional. I would definitely use them again!
We relocate frequently and one of the biggest hassles of relocating to new areas is finding reputable companies that send qualified technicians to perform work when you need it, whether for annual preventative maintenance or during a house emergency. We’ve been through the process several times and always dread researching and trying new companies. This was our first HVAC call here in northern Virginia. We are in new construction and chose not to use the builder’s sub-contractor for a technician call but looked through Carrier’s website for a local business. Jeremy Garner with HVAC Unlimited responded to our service request the morning following our call. I shadowed him performing work and he was patient while I peppered him with questions. He helped expand my HVAC knowledge in order to be a better property owner of our systems. He performed the work we thought was necessary, in a timely and professional manner, and gave us options for future annual maintenance. HVAC Unlimited is definitely on our list of go-to contractors.
The most reliable and efficient HVAC company I’ve worked with residentially and commercially.
Great help over the phone regarding an issue that we had. Save us some money by walking us through the issue instead of coming out for a house call. Very friendly and patient over the phone. HVAC Unlimited is our "go to" company for all heating/cooling needs!
Jeremy is a true professional, polite and punctual.
There was an unidentified beeping sound which I thought was coming from my indoor HVAC unit. The technician patiently spoke to me over the phone and we discovered that it was not the HVAC that was making the noise. The technician was extraordinarily helpful and polite as we spoke and he saved me a few hundred dollars since he helped me over the phone and didn't have to make an emergency visit. HVAC Unlimited is our "go to" company for all our heating and cooling needs!
No heat plus repairs
No heat plus repairs
No heat
No heat.
Follow up after home inspector
Fixed carrier furnace and damper issue
No heat plus repair
Repairing furnace
Replacement blower motor
Inspection
Performed heating inspection on hydronic Airhandler
Heating inspection and repairs
Heating inspection
Humidifier repairs
Performed 2 contracted heating inspections on hydronic heat pumps.
Heating inspection on Hydronic Airhandler.
Upgraded customer to Silver plan, inspected hot water heater and humidifier. Installed algae tablets in drain pan.
No heat plus repairs
Heating inspection
Install new 40 gallon gas hot water heater.
Performed heating inspection under new contract and cleaned both blower assembly and condenser coil
Performed heating inspection on trane system
Performed heating inspection on Carrier furnace
Performed heating inspection on Carrier gas furnace
Performed heating inspection on carrier systems
Call now for service!
(703) 493-1200