There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see major savings in utility bills and an increase in your home’s comfort.
A high-efficiency gas furnace is often called a condensing furnace. Unlike traditional furnaces, this heating system uses 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 main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on energy 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 uses natural gas for generating heat. The higher the rating, 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 deliver 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 starting on at full blast constantly, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply 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 lower speed.
4. Better 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 useful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other pollutants.
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
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s earned this qualification must reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Works 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 released 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 change them.
With a smart thermostat, you won’t have to be wondering 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 the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies frequently offer generous rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Request 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 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. Give us a call today at (818) 727-9993 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Northridge and surrounding areas since {year}, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.
