There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will experience significant savings in utility bills and an increase in your home’s comfort.
A high-efficiency gas furnace is often referred to as a condensing furnace. Unlike traditional furnaces, this heating system has a second heat exchanger that captures additional heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside through PVC pipes.
If you’re not convinced yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less gas to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on utility costs over time.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace uses natural gas for producing heat. The greater the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.
2. Better Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to provide comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in especially cold climates. The most efficient gas furnaces usually will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of starting on at full blast all the time, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Reduced Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is generally much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn’t have to run as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is particularly helpful for those who need a quiet setting for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace creates less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.
4. Improved Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is especially useful for those who live in places that have a lot of dust and other contaminants.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
High-efficiency furnaces are an green solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel expenses while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Savings Through Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s received this certification must reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
In addition to the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Peak Performance When Combined with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners have a programmable thermostat for their gas furnace but have no clue how to use it. A 192-person study published by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn’t know how to program the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 25% know where the settings are located but didn’t know how to adjust them.
With a smart thermostat, you won’t have to be guessing about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temp. Your thermostat will find out your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies often offer generous rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Get Your Free Estimate Now for a New, High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also includes rebates to balance out the initial cost, why not take advantage and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to respond to any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 724-401-1843 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in New Castle and surrounding areas since {year}, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.