There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience major 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 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. Lower Energy Bills
One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel 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 making heat. The greater the ranking, the more usable heat you'll receive 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 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 at full blast constantly, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.
3. Less Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is typically 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 beneficial 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 slower speed.
4. Healthier Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased 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 a lot of dust and other impurities.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-friendly solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you purchase one that's ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that's received this qualification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
Besides the extra rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you'll enjoy 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 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 guessing 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.
Because most 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).
Get Your Free Estimate Now for a High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you save money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to balance out the initial cost, why not make the most of it 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 530-885-8081 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been providing furnace installation in Auburn and surrounding areas since 1979, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.