There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience major 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 captures 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. Lower 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 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 making heat. The greater the rating, the more usable heat you'll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Better Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to deliver comfortable heat during all types of weather 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 at full blast constantly, the furnace can operate at a slower 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 especially helpful for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you're worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace makes less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly useful for those who live in areas that have a lot of dust and other impurities.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an green solution for heating your home. They have a higher energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you buy one that's ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that's earned this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
In addition to 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 released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn't know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn't know where to find the settings.
- 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 temperature. Your thermostat will find out your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, 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 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 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. Contact us today at 715-352-4052 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been providing furnace installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin and surrounding areas since 1945, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.