There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, 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 catches extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside via 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 need less fuel to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on energy costs in the long run.
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 making heat. The greater 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 designed to deliver comfortable heat during all types of weather 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 high all the time, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Less 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 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 high levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is especially helpful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
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
Purchasing 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 certification must reach 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
Besides the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Compatible 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 published by the Energy Research and Social Science journal discovered:
- 42% didn't know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn't know where to find the settings.
- 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 temperature. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, 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 Now for a 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 initial cost, why not make the most of it and upgrade your old furnace? We're here to address any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 713-364-9957 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been providing furnace installation in Tomball and surrounding areas since 2000, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.