There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see major savings in utility 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 uses 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 sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Lower Energy Bills
One of the top advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use 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 means annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace consumes natural gas for producing heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Enhanced Sense of Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed 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 at full blast all the time, the furnace can run at a lower 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 generally 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 environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.
4. Higher Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch 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 contaminants.
5. More Environmentally Sustainable
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 decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Savings Through Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this qualification must meet 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 greater for southern climates
Along with 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 use 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 discovered:
- 42% didn’t know how to program the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where to find the settings.
- 25% know where the settings are 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 learn your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies frequently offer big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Request Your Free Estimate Now for a New, High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less 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 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 785-269-0465 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Lawrence and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.