There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience major 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 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 main advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel 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 consumes natural gas for making 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 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 constantly, 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. 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 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. 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 particularly useful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other pollutants.
5. Better for the Environment
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 costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for extra rebates, especially if you choose one that's ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that's earned this certification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its lifetime.
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 use 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 wondering about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temp. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since the majority of 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).
Request Your Free Estimate Now for a 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 initial 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 254-307-9572 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Temple/Belton and surrounding areas since 1964, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.