There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see significant savings in utility 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 top advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less fuel to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on energy 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 making heat. The greater the ranking, 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 deliver comfortable heat during all weather conditions 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 constantly, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Less 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 environment for sleeping or studying. If you're worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace creates less noise because it can run at a lower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is especially useful for those who live in areas that have a lot of dust and other impurities.
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. Extra 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 reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
Besides the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you'll enjoy reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Works 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 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 temp. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and create 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).
Get 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 includes rebates to offset 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. Contact us today at 979-335-4262 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in East Bernard and surrounding locations since 1968, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.