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Air Conditioner & Furnace System Selector

What efficiency of furnace do you need?

If you are you unsure of the efficiency of your furnace go take a quick look at it. If the flue pipe coming out of it is metal, it is standard efficiency. If the flue pipe is PVC, you have a high efficient furnace.

Metal or PVC Flue Pipe?

This is the most important question that you can be asked when selecting your next furnace. The flue pipe is an important part of your furnace system and is the exhaust pipe that extends from the top of your furnace and moves dangerous exhaust out of your home.

Metal flue pipes are used on standard efficiency furnaces, sometimes referred to as type B furnaces. These flue pipes will release exhaust gases through your roof. Due to the higher temperatures of your exhaust in standard efficiency furnaces (around 500 degrees Fahrenheit) a PVC flue pipe will melt and release carbon monoxide into your home. A PVC pipe should never be used on a standard efficiency unit.

PVC flue pipes are used with high efficiency units with a rating of 92% or higher. An electric fan within your furnace forces your exhaust and through the flue pipe and out the side of your home. High efficiency furnaces create condensate that contains water. This can rust a metal pipe resulting in cracks and holes in your flue pipe where exhaust can leak out, creating an extremely dangerous environment. A metal flue pipe should never be used on a high efficiency unit.

We cannot stress enough how dangerous it can be to select the incorrect flue pipe. After conducting an internal test, a PVC pipe heated to the temperature of a standard furnace completely melted and disconnected from the furnace in less than 7 minutes. With no flue pipe and nowhere for the exhaust to go, this would fill your house with carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an undetectable gas. It is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and lethal. Attaching the wrong flue pipe to your furnace will create a life-or-death situation.

If you are still unsure which is correct for any reason, it is imperative that you consult a professional before proceeding to ensure the health of your family.

Subcategories

Easy System Selector Tool

Use this tool to guide you to the best heating and cooling solution for your home.

Step 2: AC & Furnace System - Efficiency

What efficiency of furnace do you need?

If you are unsure of your furnace's efficiency, go look at it. If the flue pipe coming out of it is metal, it is standard efficiency. If the flue pipe is PVC, you have a high efficient furnace.

?

Standard efficiency furnaces (Type B) require metal flue pipes to vent exhaust gases through the roof safely.

  • Exhaust temperatures reach around 500°F, making PVC pipes unsafe as they can melt and release carbon monoxide (CO) into your home.
  • PVC should never be used on a standard efficiency furnace.

System Efficiency & Benefits

  • 80% AFUE rating - Converts 80% of fuel into usable heat.
  • Paired with a standard efficiency air conditioner, it provides dependable year-round comfort at a lower upfront cost.
  • Ideal for moderate climates or homes with light HVAC usage, offering a cost-effective heating and cooling solution.
?

PVC flue pipes are used for high efficiency furnaces with an AFUE rating of 92% or higher.

  • An electric fan forces exhaust through the PVC flue pipe, venting it out the side of your home.
  • High efficiency furnaces produce condensate, which can cause metal flue pipes to rust, leading to cracks and dangerous exhaust leaks.
  • Metal flue pipes should never be used on high efficiency units.

System Efficiency & Benefits

  • 90%-98% AFUE rating
  • Uses advanced technology like variable-speed blowers and two-stage or modulating operation.
  • Initial cost is higher, however, they offer lower utility bills and better temperature control.
  • Ideal for colder climates or homes seeking long-term savings.

SAFETY

Selecting the correct flue pipe for your furnace is crucial for safety.

Tests show PVC pipes melt and disconnect within 7 minutes at standard furnace temperatures.

Without a proper flue pipe, your house with carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and lethal gas.

Attaching the wrong flue pipe to your furnace will create a life-or-death situation.

TIPS

When determining which option is best for you, consider these:

  • A Standard Efficiency System is best for mild climates and lower upfront costs.
  • A High Efficiency System lowers energy costs, improves comfort, and maximizes efficiency.
  • In cold climates, a High Efficiency System keeps your home warm while reducing energy use.

Choosing Between a Standard Efficiency or High Efficiency Furnace & AC System

Now that you’ve selected a Furnace & Air Conditioner System, the next step is deciding between a Standard Efficiency System or a High Efficiency System. Both options provide reliable heating and cooling, but the best choice depends on your budget, energy savings goals, and climate.

Standard Efficiency Furnace & AC System

A standard efficiency furnace typically has an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80%, meaning it converts 80% of its fuel into usable heat. Paired with a standard efficiency air conditioner, this system provides dependable year-round comfort at a lower upfront cost. If you live in a moderate climate or don’t use your HVAC system heavily, a standard efficiency setup can be a cost-effective solution while still delivering reliable heating and cooling.

High Efficiency Furnace & AC System

A high efficiency system includes a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% to 98% and a high-efficiency air conditioner with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). These systems use advanced technology, such as variable-speed blowers and two-stage or modulating operation, to maximize comfort and energy savings. While the initial investment is higher, high efficiency systems can significantly reduce utility bills and provide better temperature control, making them ideal for colder climates or homes looking for long-term savings.

Which Option Is Best for You?

  • If you’re looking for a lower upfront cost and live in a mild climate, a Standard Efficiency System may be the best option.
  • If you want to reduce energy costs, improve home comfort, and maximize efficiency, a High Efficiency System is a smart long-term investment.
  • If you live in a cold climate, a High Efficiency System will keep your home warm while lowering energy usage.

Still unsure? Contact us today, and we’ll help you choose the perfect heating and cooling system for your home!