There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will see major savings in energy 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 uses a second heat exchanger that catches 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. Lower Energy Bills
One of the top advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less fuel 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 calculates how well your furnace uses natural gas for making heat. The higher 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 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 turning on at full blast constantly, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and deliver 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 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 pollute your air, which is especially useful for those who live in places 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 qualify you for for additional rebates, especially if you choose one that's ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that's earned this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate 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 released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn't know how to program 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 temp. Your thermostat will find out your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since the majority of 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).
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 includes rebates to balance out the initial cost, why not make the most of it 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. Contact us today at (815)914-6197 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been providing furnace installation in Rockford and surrounding areas since 2006, and we're proud to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.