There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will experience major savings in utility 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 catches extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside via PVC pipes.
If you’re not sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. More Manageable Energy Bills
One of the top advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less gas to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on energy 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 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. Improved 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 often will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of starting on high all the time, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply 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 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 environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can run at a slower speed.
4. Healthier Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other impurities.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
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 decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Savings Through Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this certification must reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
Along with the extra 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 idea how to use it. A 192-person study published by the Energy Research and Social Science journal discovered:
- 42% didn’t know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where to find the settings.
- 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 wondering 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.
Since most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies frequently offer big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Get Your Free Estimate Today for a High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also includes rebates to offset the preliminary 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 952-373-0377 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Savage and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.