There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will experience significant savings in utility 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 uses a second heat exchanger that catches 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 top advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, possibly 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 measures how well your furnace consumes natural gas for generating 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 designed to provide comfortable heat during all types of weather and in very 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 operate at a lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Reduced 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 operate at a lower speed.
4. Improved 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 areas that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
5. More Environmentally Sustainable
High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-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. Extra 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 received this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
Along with the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Compatible 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 published 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 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.
Because many 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).
Get Your Free Estimate Now 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 balance out the initial cost, why not make the most of it and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to respond to any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 805-242-9638 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Buellton and surrounding areas since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.