There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience 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 has 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 advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less fuel to heat your home, potentially 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 uses natural gas for generating heat. The higher the rating, 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 provide comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in very cold climates. The most efficient gas furnaces often will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of turning on at full blast constantly, the furnace can operate at a lower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is usually 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 creates less noise because it can operate at a lower speed.
4. Healthier Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to catch 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 pollutants.
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 lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you choose one that's ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that's received this certification must meet 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 better for southern climates
Besides the extra rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate 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 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 adjust 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 create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since most 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).
Get Your Free Estimate Today 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 preliminary 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 410-228-4822 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Cambridge and surrounding areas since 2007, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.