There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see major 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 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. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less fuel to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on utility costs over time.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It measures how well your furnace utilizes natural gas for making heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Improved 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 usually will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of turning on high 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. 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 beneficial for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.
4. Better Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other pollutants.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
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. Additional 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 reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater 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. Works with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners use 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 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 most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies frequently offer generous rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Request Your Free Estimate Now for Your 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 make the most of it and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to respond to any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Call us today at 530-885-8081 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Auburn and surrounding locations since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.