There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see major savings in energy bills and an improvement in your home’s comfort.
A high-efficiency gas furnace is often called a condensing furnace. Unlike traditional furnaces, this heating system uses a second heat exchanger that captures extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside through PVC pipes.
If you’re not sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Lower Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide 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 consumes natural gas for producing heat. The higher 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 deliver 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 constantly, the furnace can run at a lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is usually much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn’t have to work as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is especially helpful for those who need a quiet setting for sleeping or studying. If you’re concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace makes less noise because it can run at a lower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is especially useful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-friendly 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. Extra Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s earned this qualification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
Along with the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Works 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 released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal discovered:
- 42% didn’t know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 25% know where the settings are but didn’t know how to change them.
With a smart thermostat, you won’t have to be guessing about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temperature. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies often offer big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Request Your Free Estimate Now for a High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you save money on natural gas costs. If it also includes rebates to balance out the initial cost, why not make the most of it and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to address 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 providing furnace installation in New Castle and surrounding locations since {year}, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.