There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, 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 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 sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Lower Energy Bills
One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on utility costs in the long run.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace utilizes natural gas for producing heat. The greater the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Better Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to provide comfortable heat during all types of weather and in very 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 high all the time, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will use 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 worried 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 increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in places that have a lot of dust and other impurities.
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 expenses while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for additional rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s earned this qualification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
In addition to the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its lifetime.
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 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 wondering about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temp. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since the majority of 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 High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you save money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to balance out the preliminary cost, why not take advantage 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. Contact us today at 479-308-8176 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Siloam Springs and surrounding areas since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.