There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience 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 has a second heat exchanger that catches extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside through PVC pipes.
If you're not convinced yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the top benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on utility 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 consumes natural gas for making heat. The greater the rating, the more usable heat you'll get and the more efficient it will be.
2. Better Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to provide comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in very 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 all the time, the furnace can run at a lower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Reduced 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 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 Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other impurities.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an green solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for extra rebates, especially if you purchase one that's ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that's received this certification must meet 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
In addition to the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate lower 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 found:
- 42% didn't know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn't know where to find the settings.
- 25% know where the settings are 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 find out your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies often 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 comes with rebates to balance out the initial 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 614-879-9091 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been providing furnace installation in West Jefferson and surrounding locations since 1976, and we're proud to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.