There are a number of 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 captures extra 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 advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less gas to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on utility costs over time.

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 producing heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.

2. Improved Comfort

A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to provide comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in very 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 constantly, the furnace can run at a slower 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 run 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 concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace makes less noise because it can run at a lower speed.

4. Better 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 helpful for those who live in areas 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 high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel expenses while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Savings Through Rebates

Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible 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 use.

These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards include:

  • 95% AFUE or better 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 appreciate lower energy costs throughout its life span.

7. Peak Performance When Combined 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 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 adjust them.

With a smart thermostat, you won’t have to be guessing 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.

Since many smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR qualified, utility companies frequently 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 a New, 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 initial 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 making sense of higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 877-389-2465 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in South Beloit and Belvidere and surrounding areas since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.