There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, 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 uses a second heat exchanger that catches 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 offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use 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 measures how well your furnace utilizes natural gas for producing heat. The greater the rating, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.
2. Enhanced Sense of Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to deliver comfortable heat during all types of weather and in particularly 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 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 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 produces less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.
4. Healthier Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is particularly helpful 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 lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for extra rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this qualification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the improved 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 clue how to use it. A 192-person study published by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn’t know how to program 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 find out your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies frequently offer generous 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 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Call us today at 715-318-6728 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Ellsworth and surrounding areas since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.