There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see significant 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 captures additional heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside via PVC pipes.
If you're not convinced yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Lower Energy Bills
One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less gas 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 consumes natural gas for producing heat. The higher the ranking, 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 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 high all the time, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier 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 work as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is particularly helpful for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you're worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can run at a slower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is especially useful 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 environmentally friendly solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel expenses while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you buy one that's ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that's earned this certification must meet 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 extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you'll enjoy reduced 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 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 adjust 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 create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies often 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 save money on natural gas costs. If it also includes 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. Contact us today at 814-308-0416 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Erie and surrounding locations since 1860, and we're proud to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.