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 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 uses a second heat exchanger that captures additional 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. Lower Energy Bills

One of the main benefits high-efficiency furnaces offer is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems need less gas to heat your home, possibly 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 utilizes natural gas for producing heat. The greater 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 types of weather 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 turning on at full blast 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 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 work 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 concerned about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace creates less noise because it can operate at a lower speed.

4. Better Air Quality Indoors

High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with high levels of air filtration to catch pollutants before they can pollute your air, which is particularly helpful for those who live in areas that have high concentrations of dust and other contaminants.

5. More Environmentally Sustainable

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 additional rebates, especially if you purchase one that’s ENERGY STAR® certified. A gas furnace that’s received this certification must meet high standards for natural gas-to-heat consumption.

These annual fuel utilization efficiency standards consist of:

  • 95% AFUE or better for northern climates
  • 90% AFUE or greater for southern climates

In addition to the additional rebates and the great comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate reduced energy costs throughout its life span.

7. Compatible 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 published by the Energy Research and Social Science journal found:

  • 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 create energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.

Because most smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, 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 save 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 respond to any questions you have about a new heating system, furnace efficiency and making sense of higher efficiency models. Contact us today at 510-343-9841 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been providing furnace installation in The Bay Area and surrounding locations since year, and we’re pleased to be the company your neighbors and friends depend on.