Furnaces are the most popular primary heating source in the U.S. and are present in over 60% of homes. If it’s time to upgrade your older furnace, you have the choice between a standard or high-efficiency (HE) model. Conventional furnaces are less expensive, at least initially, but HE furnaces have many advantages that make them worth considering.
Safer Operation and Better Air Quality
One of the fundamental differences between a conventional and HE furnace is the approach to combustion. Standard furnaces typically employ atmospheric combustion, which means they draw the air for burning fuel from the surrounding room. High-efficiency furnaces instead employ sealed combustion. The combustion chamber is fully enclosed, and the system draws air in from the outside through a dedicated pipe. This approach is safer because there’s less risk of backdrafting in addition to carbon monoxide mixing with the indoor air. It also promotes better air quality in general, especially in newer houses with tight building envelopes.
Lower Energy Bills
A key reason fuel-burning furnaces remain so popular is that they’re impressively cost-effective to run. High-efficiency furnaces are even more impressive because they use less fuel. One reason is the sealed combustion chamber discussed earlier. Another is the fact that conventional furnaces lose heat energy as a byproduct of venting toxic gases. Many HE furnaces are condensing systems with a second heat exchanger that mitigates that loss. High-efficiency models often have modulating gas valves for finer control of the fuel supply. They can also have a variable-speed blower that ramps up and down based on the home’s current heating needs.
Energy Incentives
High-efficiency furnaces have higher price tags because they need additional and more sophisticated components. The good news is that many people can help offset the added costs through incentives. There’s a federal tax credit worth as much as 30% of the total installation cost up to $1,200. Models that earn ENERGY STAR certification are often eligible for rebates. You may also have rebates available to you through your local utility companies.
Longer Lifespans and Lower Total Costs
Standard fuel-fired furnaces typically have a lower total cost of ownership than electric furnaces. This is despite the fact that gas furnaces don’t typically last long. The difference is even greater with HE furnaces because they can last as long. The top brands suggest that HE furnaces can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.
Better Warranties
High-efficiency furnaces tend to have better warranties than their standard counterparts, including longer terms and more robust coverage. Many HE furnace warranties cover major components for up to 15 years, reflecting the longer equipment lifespan estimates. You also have more options for extended warranties, including lengthening and broadening the coverage.
Enhanced Comfort
An HE furnace will generally make a home more comfortable than a standard counterpart for several reasons. Much of the difference is between the single- and multi-stage operation. High-efficiency furnaces provide more consistent heating throughout a larger space. They’re less prone to cold spots and temperature differences between floors. There’s also a much smaller difference in the home’s temperature between when the furnace is running and off.
Quieter Operation
High-efficiency furnaces are often noticeably quieter for several reasons. The sealed chamber dampens the sounds from the combustion process. High-efficiency furnaces are often able to run at a much lower speed when maintaining indoor temperature. A standard furnace has to run at the same speed all the time. In addition, many manufacturers add sound-dampening technologies to their higher-end models.
Smaller Household Carbon Footprint
The HVAC industry in the U.S. uses annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) to measure furnace efficiency. The modern standard furnace has an AFUE rating of around 80. That means that it successfully converts 80% of the fuel it burns into home heating. The other 20% is waste. High-efficiency furnaces start at AFUE 90, and there are models as high as AFUE 98.5. Consider that home heating is one of the leading contributors to your household’s environmental impact. By reducing energy usage by 10% or more, you’ll make a significant difference.
High-Efficiency Furnace Installation in Louisa County
Air Nerds is a multigenerational family business based in Louisa, VA. Our company offers a wide selection of HE furnace models from the top brands. Our team can assist with energy incentives and heating add-ons, including smart thermostats, zone control systems, and humidifiers. We also offer free heating installation quotes and financing on approved credit. Call today or contact us online to schedule an in-home installation consultation.
