There are many 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 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 convinced 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 offer is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use 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 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 receive and the more efficient it will be.
2. Superior Comfort
A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to provide comfortable heat during all types of weather 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 all the time, the furnace can run at a slower speed when needed and supply more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.
3. Reduced Noise
A high-efficiency gas furnace is usually 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 beneficial for those who need a quiet setting for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace creates less noise because it can run at a slower speed.
4. Higher Indoor Air Quality
High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is especially useful for those who live in areas 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 costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Additional Rebates
Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for extra rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s earned this certification must reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.
These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:
- 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates
- 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates
In addition to the extra rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its lifetime.
7. Compatible 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 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 adjust 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.
Since most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies often offer generous rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).
Ask About Your Free Estimate Now 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 make the most of it 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. Call us today at 336-853-6070 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Lexington and surrounding locations since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.