There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see significant savings in energy bills and an improvement 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 via PVC pipes.
If you’re not convinced yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Smaller Energy Bills
One of the top benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less gas to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on utility costs in the long run.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This means annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace consumes natural gas for generating heat. The higher the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Enhanced Sense of Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to deliver comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in very cold climates. The most efficient gas furnaces often 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 lower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is typically 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 beneficial 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 run at a slower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is particularly useful for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
5. More Environmentally Sustainable
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. Savings Through Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for extra rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s received this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its life span.
7. Peak Performance When Combined with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners use a programmable thermostat for their gas furnace but have no clue how to use it. A 192-person study released by the