There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see significant 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 uses a second heat exchanger that catches 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. Smaller Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less gas to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on utility costs in the long run.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This means annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace consumes natural gas for generating heat. The greater the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Enhanced Sense of 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 operate at a lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at steadier 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 particularly helpful for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace makes less noise because it can operate at a lower speed.
4. Higher Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is especially helpful for those who live in places that have a lot of dust and other contaminants.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
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 lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Savings Through Rebates
Buying 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 satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
Along with the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Compatible 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 discovered:
- 42% didn’t know how to program the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 25% know where the settings are but didn’t know how to change them.
With a smart thermostat, you won’t have to be wondering about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temp. Your thermostat will find out your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies often offer generous rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Ask About 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 includes rebates to offset the preliminary cost, why not make the most of it 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 302-239-HVAC (4822) for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Wilmington and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.