There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see significant savings in utility bills and an increase 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 through 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 main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume 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 utilizes natural gas for producing heat. The greater the ranking, 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 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 starting on at full blast constantly, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier 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 work as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is especially beneficial for those who need a quiet setting for sleeping or studying. If you're worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly useful 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 environmentally friendly solution for heating your home. They have a higher energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Purchasing 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 satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
Besides 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 have 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 guessing about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temperature. Your thermostat will find out your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because many 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).
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 offset the preliminary 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 801-305-4777 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in West Valley City and surrounding locations since 1996, and we're proud to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.