There are a number of 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 increase in your home’s comfort.
A high-efficiency gas furnace is often called 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 via 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 cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less gas 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 measures how well your furnace uses natural gas for making heat. The higher the rating, 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 provide comfortable heat during all types of weather and in very cold climates. The most efficient gas furnaces usually 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 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. Reduced Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is usually 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 makes less noise because it can run at a slower speed.
4. Healthier Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is especially beneficial for those who live in areas that have a lot of dust and other contaminants.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-friendly 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
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s earned this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy lower energy costs throughout its life span.
7. Works 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 released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal discovered:
- 42% didn’t know how to use 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 temperature. Your thermostat will learn 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 big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Request Your Free Estimate Today 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 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 314-262-4541 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Saint Louis and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.