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 improvement 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 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. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less gas to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on utility costs over time.
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 making heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.
2. Superior 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 often 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 lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is generally 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 helpful 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 run at a slower speed.
4. Higher Air Quality Indoors
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other impurities.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-friendly 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. Additional Rebates
Buying 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 earned this qualification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
Along with the extra rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Works 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 program the thermostat.
- 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
- 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 wondering 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.
Since the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, 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 Your High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also includes rebates to offset 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 making sense of higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 803-265-4208 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in West Columbia and surrounding areas since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.