There are a number of reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the cost. High-efficiency furnaces cost more at first, but you will experience significant savings in energy bills and an improvement in your home’s comfort.

A high-efficiency gas furnace is often called a condensing furnace. Unlike traditional furnaces, this heating system uses a second heat exchanger that captures additional 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. Reduced Energy Bills

One of the main advantages high-efficiency furnaces provide is lower energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less fuel to heat your home, potentially saving thousands on energy costs over time.

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

2. Enhanced Sense of Comfort

A high-efficiency gas furnace is designed to deliver comfortable heat during all weather conditions 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 starting on at full blast all the time, the furnace can run at a lower speed when needed and deliver more usable heat at steadier temperatures. This also means it will consume less natural gas.

3. Reduced 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 especially helpful for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace creates 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 particularly useful for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.

5. More Environmentally Sustainable

High-efficiency furnaces are an eco-friendly solution for heating your home. They have a higher energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel costs while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Extra Rebates

Purchasing a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for extra rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s earned this qualification must reach high standards for natural gas-to-heat use.

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 additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll enjoy 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 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 find out your temperature preferences and create 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 Now for a New, High-Efficiency Furnace

A high-efficiency furnace will help you save money on natural gas costs. If it also comes with rebates to offset the initial cost, why not take advantage 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 203-357-5913 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in Brookfield and surrounding locations since {year}, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.