There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, 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 captures additional heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside through 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 cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less gas to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on utility 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 utilizes natural gas for producing heat. The greater the rating, 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 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 turning on at full blast constantly, 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. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is usually much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn't have to work 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 worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can run at a slower speed.
4. Healthier 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 particularly beneficial for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other pollutants.
5. Better for the Environment
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 costs while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for extra rebates, especially if you buy one that's ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that's earned this qualification must meet 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
In addition to the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Works with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners use 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 discovered:
- 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 wondering 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 most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, 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 Today for a High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to balance out 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 509-284-4265 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Chelan and Wenatchee and surrounding locations since 2001, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.