There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see significant savings in energy bills and an improvement in your home’s comfort.
A high-efficiency gas furnace is often called 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 through PVC pipes.
If you’re not sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Smaller Energy Bills
One of the top benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume 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 calculates how well your furnace uses natural gas for producing heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.
2. Superior Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to provide 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 starting on high constantly, the furnace can run at a lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is usually much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn’t have to run 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 run at a lower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high 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 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 make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this certification must satisfy 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
In addition to the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its life span.
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 program the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 25% know where the settings are 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 make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because 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 Today 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 offset 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. Give us a call today at 804-302-6657 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Greater Richmond and surrounding areas since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.