There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. 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 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. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less gas to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on utility 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 utilizes natural gas for making heat. The higher the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. More Complete Sense of Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to provide comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in especially 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 high all the time, the furnace can operate at a lower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Reduced 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 particularly beneficial 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 run at a slower speed.
4. Higher Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased 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 a lot of dust and other impurities.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
High-efficiency furnaces are an environmentally friendly solution for heating your home. They have a higher energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel expenses while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. 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 higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
Along with the extra rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy 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 idea 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 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 create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies often 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 includes rebates to offset 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. Call us today at 715-504-0533 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Plover and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.