There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience major 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 additional 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. Lower Energy Bills
One of the top benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less fuel to heat your home, potentially 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 measures how well your furnace uses 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 turning on at full blast all the time, the furnace can run at a lower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Reduced 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 concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can run at a lower speed.
4. Higher Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute 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 decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this qualification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
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 enjoy lower energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Compatible with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners have 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 found:
- 42% didn’t know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 25% know where the settings are located 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 learn your temperature preferences and make 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 Today for a New, High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to offset the initial cost, why not take advantage and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to respond to any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 308-624-3485 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Kearney and surrounding areas since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.