There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see major savings in energy bills and an increase 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 catches 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. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less gas to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on energy costs over time.
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 generating heat. The greater the rating, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Superior Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to deliver comfortable heat during all weather conditions 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 turning on high constantly, the furnace can operate at a lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Reduced Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is generally much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn’t have to work as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is particularly beneficial for those who need a quiet environment 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. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is especially useful for those who live in areas that have a lot of dust and other contaminants.
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 costs while decreasing 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 reach 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 additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Works 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 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 temp. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and create 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).
Ask About Your Free Estimate Now for a New, 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 make the most of it and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to answer any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 540-636-3396 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Front Royal and surrounding areas since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.