There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will experience major savings in energy 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 has 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. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide 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 over time.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This means annual fuel utilization efficiency. It measures how well your furnace utilizes natural gas for producing 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 particularly cold climates. The most efficient gas furnaces often will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of turning on high constantly, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will consume 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 particularly beneficial for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace creates 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 helpful for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an green 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 choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s received this qualification must reach 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 better 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. Works 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 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 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.
Because most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies often 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 save 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 making sense of higher efficiency models. Call us today at 715-384-3163 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Marshfield and surrounding locations since {year}, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.