Combustion Processes and Combustion Efficiency
Calculate furnace performance indices including thermal efficiency, annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), and steady-state efficiency (SSE) based on energy inputs and outputs.
Combustion Processes and Combustion Efficiency
Combustion is an exothermic reaction between a fuel and an oxidant.
Common Combustion Reactions
- Carbon: C + O₂ → CO₂
- Methane: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
- Hydrogen: H₂ + ½O₂ → H₂O
Typical Combustion Process Efficiency
- Home fireplace: 10 - 40%
- Space heater: 50 - 80%
- Residential gas furnace: 70 - 80%
- Oil burner heating system: 70 - 85%
- Gas powered boiler: 75 - 85%
- High efficiency gas or oil condensing furnace: 85 - 95%