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 energy bills and an increase in your home's comfort.
A high-efficiency gas furnace is often called a condensing furnace. Unlike traditional furnaces, this heating system has a second heat exchanger that captures 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. Reduced Energy Bills
One of the top benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems consume less gas 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 consumes natural gas for generating heat. The greater 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 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 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 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 concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace produces less noise because it can run at a lower 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 helpful for those who live in areas that have a lot of dust and other pollutants.
5. Better for the Environment
High-efficiency furnaces are an green solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Buying a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for additional rebates, especially if you choose 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 consist of:
- 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or better for southern climates
In addition to the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you'll appreciate 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 idea how to use it. A 192-person study released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:
- 42% didn't know how to use 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 learn your temperature preferences and create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.
Since many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies frequently offer generous rebates. Here's how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Request Your Free Estimate Today for a 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 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 631-737-5566 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We've been offering furnace installation in Long Island and surrounding areas since 2004, and we're proud to be the company your neighbors and friends rely on.