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 has a second heat exchanger that catches additional heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside via 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 main benefits high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less gas to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on utility 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 making 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 starting on high 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 generally much quieter than standard furnaces because it doesn't have to run 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 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 contaminate your air, which is particularly beneficial for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.
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. Additional Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for additional rebates, especially if you purchase 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 consist of:
- 95% AFUE or greater for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
Besides the extra rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you'll enjoy lower energy costs throughout its life span.
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 released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn't know how to program the thermostat.
- 14% didn't know where the settings are located.
- 25% know where the settings are 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 temp. Your thermostat will find out your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies often offer generous rebates. Here's how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Request 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 includes rebates to offset the initial 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. Contact us today at 503-213-4433 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Portland and surrounding locations since 2019, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.