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 utility 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 uses a second heat exchanger that captures 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. More Manageable Energy Bills
One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on energy costs over time.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It measures how well your furnace consumes natural gas for generating heat. The higher the ranking, 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 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 run at a slower speed when needed and deliver 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 typically much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn’t have to run 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 creates less noise because it can operate at a lower speed.
4. Better Air Quality Indoors
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 places that have a lot of dust and other pollutants.
5. Better for the Environment
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. 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 earned this qualification must reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
Along with the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its life span.
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 discovered:
- 42% didn’t know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 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 find out 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 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 High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less 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 address any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Call us today at 419-548-5017 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Swanton and surrounding areas since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.