There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience significant 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 extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside through PVC pipes.
If you're not sure 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 offer is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less gas to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on energy costs in the long run.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This means annual fuel utilization efficiency. It measures how well your furnace utilizes natural gas for generating heat. The higher the rating, 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 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 high all the time, the furnace can operate 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. 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 particularly helpful for those who need a quiet environment 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. 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 places that have high concentrations of dust and other impurities.
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. 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 certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates
Besides the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you'll enjoy lower energy costs throughout its life span.
7. Compatible with Smart Thermostats
Most homeowners have a programmable thermostat for their gas furnace, but have no clue 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 located 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 find out your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies frequently 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 offset 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. Call us today at 512-937-2001 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Georgetown and surrounding areas since 2017, and we're proud to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.