There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will experience significant savings in utility 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 catches additional heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside through 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 main advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, possibly 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 consumes natural gas for generating heat. The greater the ranking, the more usable heat you’ll get and the more efficient it will be.

2. Superior Comfort

A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to deliver comfortable heat during all weather conditions and in very 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 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 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 concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace creates less noise because it can operate at a slower speed.

4. Healthier Air Quality Indoors

High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased 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 a lot of dust and other pollutants.

5. More Environmentally Sustainable

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 costs while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Additional Rebates

Buying a high-efficiency furnace may make you eligible for additional rebates, especially if you choose one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s earned this qualification must reach 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 additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its lifetime.

7. Peak Performance When Combined with Smart Thermostats

Most homeowners have a programmable thermostat for their gas furnace but have no clue how to use it. A 192-person study released by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:

  • 42% didn’t know how to program the thermostat.
  • 14% didn’t know where the settings are located.
  • 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 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 often offer generous 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 includes rebates to offset the preliminary cost, why not make the most of it and upgrade your old furnace? We’re here to respond to any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 814-308-0416 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in Erie and surrounding locations since year, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.