There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see significant 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 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. Smaller Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less fuel to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on utility costs over time.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace consumes natural gas for making heat. The higher the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll receive 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 especially 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 run as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is especially helpful for those who need a quiet setting for sleeping or studying. If you’re concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces 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 especially helpful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
5. More Environmentally Sustainable
High-efficiency furnaces are an environmentally friendly solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel expenses while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s received this qualification must satisfy 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 higher for southern climates
Along with the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its life span.
7. Peak Performance When Combined 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 use the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where to find the settings.
- 25% know where the settings are 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 temperature. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because 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 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 204-272-8128 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Winnipeg and surrounding areas since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.