If you are looking for a new furnace to keep your home warm and cozy during the cold winter months, you might want to consider a high energy efficient furnace. A high energy efficient furnace can save you money on your heating bills, reduce your environmental impact, and provide you with more comfort and convenience. But how do you know which furnace is right for your home? Here are some tips to help you choose a high energy efficient furnace.
What is a High Energy Efficient Furnace?
A high energy efficient furnace is a furnace that has an AFUE rating of 90% or higher, up to a maximum of 98.5% AFUE. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and it measures how much heat the furnace can produce from the fuel it consumes. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace is.
For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 95% means that 95% of the fuel is converted into heat for your home, while only 5% is wasted as exhaust. A furnace with an AFUE rating of 80% means that 80% of the fuel is converted into heat, while 20% is wasted.
The Department of Energy requires all new furnaces to have a minimum AFUE rating of 78%, but some states and regions may have higher standards. You can find the AFUE rating of any furnace on a yellow Energy Guide sticker on the unit, or on the manufacturer’s website or brochure.
What are the Benefits of a High Energy Efficient Furnace?
A high energy efficient furnace can offer you several benefits, such as:
Lower heating bills: A high energy efficient furnace can use less fuel to heat your home, which means you can save money on your heating bills. According to Consumer Reports, replacing an old furnace with a new high efficiency model can offset volatile energy prices and save you up to 20% on your heating costs.
Reduced emissions: A high energy efficient furnace can produce less greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants than a less efficient model, which means you can reduce your environmental impact and help fight climate change.
Enhanced comfort: A high energy efficient furnace can provide more consistent and even heating throughout your home, which means you can enjoy more comfort and avoid cold spots or temperature fluctuations. Some high efficiency furnaces also have features like variable-speed blowers, modulating gas valves, or smart thermostats that can adjust the heat output and airflow according to your needs and preferences.
Quieter operation: A high energy efficient furnace can run more quietly than a less efficient model, which means you can enjoy more peace and quiet in your home. Some high efficiency furnaces have noise-reducing components like sealed combustion chambers, insulated cabinets, or sound-absorbing materials that can minimize the noise level.
How to Choose a High Energy Efficient Furnace?
When choosing a high energy efficient furnace for your home, there are several factors to consider, such as:
Fuel type: The most common fuel type for furnaces is natural gas, but you can also find furnaces that use propane, fuel oil, or electricity. The fuel type you choose may depend on the availability and cost of the fuel in your area, as well as your personal preference. Generally speaking, natural gas furnaces are more efficient and cheaper to operate than other types of furnaces, but they may also require more maintenance and safety precautions.
Size: The size of the furnace you need depends on the size and design of your home, as well as the climate and insulation level. A furnace that is too small may not be able to heat your home adequately, while a furnace that is too large may cycle on and off more frequently, wasting energy and causing wear and tear. To find the right size for your home, you should consult a reputable contractor who can perform a load calculation according to an industry standard like the Manual J HVAC residential load calculation from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
Features: The features of the furnace you choose may affect its efficiency, performance, and convenience. Some features to look for in a high efficiency furnace include:
A condensing unit: A condensing unit is a part of the furnace that captures and uses the heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise be vented out. This can increase the efficiency of the furnace by up to 12%.
A two-stage or modulating gas valve: A two-stage or modulating gas valve is a part of the furnace that controls how much gas flows into the burner. A two-stage gas valve has two settings: low and high. A modulating gas valve has multiple settings that vary according to the heating demand. Both types of gas valves can adjust the heat output of the furnace more precisely and smoothly than a single-stage gas valve, which has only one setting: on or off. This can improve the comfort and efficiency of the furnace by reducing temperature swings and short cycling.
A variable-speed blower: A variable-speed blower is a part of the furnace that controls how fast the air moves through the ducts. A variable-speed blower can adjust its speed according to the heating demand and other factors like humidity and air quality. This can improve the comfort and efficiency of the furnace by delivering more even heating and better air circulation.
Brand: The brand of the furnace you choose may affect its quality, reliability, warranty, and customer service. There are many brands of furnaces available on the market, but some of them may have better reputations than others. You can research different brands online or ask for recommendations from friends or contractors who have experience with them. Some of the best-known brands of high efficiency furnaces include Carrier , Bryant , Lennox , Trane , Rheem , Goodman , American Standard , York , Ruud , Heil , Coleman , Tempstar , Payne , Armstrong , Ducane , Maytag , Frigidaire , Nordyne , Amana , Daikin , Luxaire , Comfortmaker , Day & Night , Arcoaire , Keeprite , Napoleon , ICP , Thermo Pride , Williamson-Thermoflo , Olsen-Airco , Crown Boiler Co., Utica Boilers , Dunkirk Boilers , Slant/Fin Boilers , Peerless Boilers , Weil-McLain Boilers , Burnham Boilers , New Yorker Boiler Company .
How Much Does a High Energy Efficient Furnace Cost?
The cost of a high energy efficient furnace depends on several factors, such as:
The fuel type
The size
The features
The brand
The installation
The location
According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of installing a new gas furnace ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on these factors. However,the initial cost of buying and installing a high efficiency furnace may be offset by lower operating costs over time due to reduced fuel consumption and maintenance needs.
Additionally, you may be eligible for rebates,tax credits,incentives,and financing options from various sources, such as:
The federal government
Your state government
Your local utility company
Your manufacturer or contractor
You can check out these websites for more information on available programs:
ENERGY STAR®
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® (DSIRE)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Conclusion
A high energy efficient furnace can be a great investment for your home if you are looking for ways to save money,enjoy more comfort,and protect the environment. However,before you buy one,you should do some research and compare different options based on your needs,budget,and preferences.
You should also hire a professional contractor who can install your new furnace properly,safely,and efficiently,and provide you with ongoing service and support.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about high energy efficient furnaces and how to choose one for your home.
If you have any questions or comments about this topic or anything else related to heating and cooling, you can contact us anytime.
We are always happy to hear from you!
