There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will experience significant savings in utility 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 uses 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 sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Lower Energy Bills
One of the top advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less fuel to heat your home, possibly 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 measures how well your furnace consumes natural gas for producing heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll receive 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 turning on high constantly, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Less 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 concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace makes less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.
4. Improved Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
High-efficiency furnaces are an environmentally friendly solution for heating your home. They have a higher energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this qualification must reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Compatible with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners have a programmable thermostat for their gas furnace but have no idea 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 to find the settings.
- 25% know where the settings are located 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 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 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 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Call us today at 520-415-5681 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Sierra Vista and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.