There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see 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. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less fuel to heat your home, possibly 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 utilizes natural gas for producing heat. The higher 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 weather conditions 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 starting on at full blast constantly, the furnace can run at a lower speed when needed and supply 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 run as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is particularly 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. Healthier Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly useful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other pollutants.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an green solution for heating your home. They have a higher energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for additional 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 consist of:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate lower 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 released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal discovered:
- 42% didn't know how to program the thermostat.
- 14% didn't know where to find the settings.
- 25% know where the settings are 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 temp. 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 qualified, 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 spend less 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 answer any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 918-333-0376 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been providing furnace installation in Bartlesville and surrounding locations since 1964, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.