Vectren to offer furnace rebates

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - As colder weather draws near, Vectren Energy Delivery officials reminded customers that it is important to evaluate the condition of their furnaces before turning them on for the winter.

The U.S. Department of Energy put out estimates Monday that stated one in four furnaces has been in operation for 20 years or more and may not be performing at peak efficiency.

An annual tune-up can extend the life of your unit and save 3 to 10% on heating costs, said Colleen Ryan, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio in a news release to 2 News.

"During regular furnace maintenance checks, the technician can calculate the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This will indicate how much of the energy used by the furnace is actually generating heat to be circulated throughout the home or business and how much heat is escaping through chimneys, windows and doorways. If the levels are dipping below the 80% range, repairs or replacement might be in order. The higher the AFUE, the lower the energy bills will be each month," added Ryan.

Vectren also announced a $300 rebate toward the purchase of a new energy-efficient furnace. For a list of qualifying appliances and rebate forms, visit www.vectren.com or call 1-866-240-8476.