Seven Reasons to Get a High-Efficiency Furnace

Feb 23, 2024

Author

Jake Nielson

Manager

There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, 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 captures extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside through PVC pipes.

If you’re not sure yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!

1. More Manageable Energy Bills

One of the main benefits 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 utility costs in the long run.

Gas furnaces have a fuel utilization efficiency, AFUE, rating. This stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It calculates how well your furnace uses natural gas for producing heat. The greater the rating, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.

2. More Complete Sense of 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 often will have two heat exchangers, a sealed combustion chamber and a variable-speed blower. Instead of starting on at full blast all the time, the furnace can run at a lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at more consistent temperatures. This also means it will use less natural gas.

3. Less Noise

A high-efficiency gas furnace is generally 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 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 pollute your air, which is especially beneficial for those who live in areas that have a lot of dust and other contaminants.

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 expenses while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Extra Rebates

Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for extra rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s received this certification must satisfy high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.

These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:

  • 95% AFUE or higher for northern climates

  • 90% AFUE or higher for southern climates

In addition to the extra rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy reduced energy costs throughout its life span.

7. Peak Performance When Combined 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 use 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 guessing about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temperature. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.

Because many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies often offer big rebates. Here’s how you can get a smart thermostat for free (or close to it).

Ask About Your Free Estimate Today for Your High-Efficiency Furnace

A high-efficiency furnace will help you spend less money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to balance out the preliminary cost, why not make the most of it and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to address any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Call us today at 636-456-5041 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Warrenton and surrounding locations since {year}, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.