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 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 through PVC pipes.
If you’re not sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!
1. More Manageable Energy Bills
One of the top benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less fuel to heat your home, possibly 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 producing heat. The greater the rating, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Superior Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to provide comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in particularly cold climates. The most efficient gas furnaces often will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of turning on high constantly, the furnace can operate at a lower speed when needed and supply 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 particularly helpful 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 operate at a slower speed.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in places that have a lot of dust and other impurities.
5. More Environmentally Sustainable
High-efficiency furnaces are an environmentally friendly solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for additional rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s earned this certification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
Along with 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 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 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 find out your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies often offer big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Ask About 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 balance out the preliminary cost, why not take advantage 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. Call us today at 973-270-9244 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Sussex County and surrounding areas since {year}, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.