There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see major savings in utility 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 captures 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. Smaller Energy Bills
One of the top benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on energy costs over time.
Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This means annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace uses natural gas for generating heat. The greater the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. More Complete Sense of Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to deliver comfortable heat during all types of weather and in particularly 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 deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is typically 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 run at a lower speed.
4. Healthier Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is particularly useful for those who live in areas that have a lot of dust and other contaminants.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
High-efficiency furnaces are an green solution for heating your home. They have a higher energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel expenses while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Extra Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s earned this qualification must reach 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 higher for southern climates
In addition to the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy reduced energy costs throughout its life span.
7. Compatible 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 published by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn’t know how to use the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where to find the settings.
- 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 learn 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).
Ask About Your Free Estimate Today for Your 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 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 making sense of higher efficiency models. Call us today at 515-344-3579 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Des Moines and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.