There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see significant savings in energy 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 via 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 top advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less gas to heat your home, potentially 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 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. Better Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to deliver 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 turning on high constantly, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier 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 work as hard or burn as hot to heat your home. This is particularly 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 high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is especially useful for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other impurities.
5. Better for the Environment
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 lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for 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 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 appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its life span.
7. Works 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 discovered:
- 42% didn't know how to program the thermostat.
- 14% didn't know where to find the settings.
- 25% know where the settings are located but didn't know how to change them.
With a smart thermostat, you won't have to be wondering about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temperature. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Because many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies frequently offer big rebates. Here's how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Get Your Free Estimate Today for a High-Efficiency Furnace
A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to offset the preliminary cost, why not take advantage and upgrade your old furnace? We're here to address any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and sorting through higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 843-485-0967 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Mount Pleasant and surrounding locations since 2009, and we're pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.