There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see significant savings in energy bills and an increase 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 extra 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 gas to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on energy 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 uses natural gas for producing heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.
2. Superior Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to deliver comfortable heat during all weather conditions 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 all the time, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Reduced Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is typically 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 concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can run at a slower speed.
4. Higher Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly helpful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other impurities.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-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
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or better 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 lifetime.
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 published by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 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 guessing about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temperature. 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 big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Get 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 balance out 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Call us today at (815) 914-6197 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Rockford and surrounding areas since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.