There are many reasons why high-efficiency furnaces are worth the money. High-efficiency furnaces cost more initially, but you will see significant savings in utility bills and an increase in your home’s comfort.

A high-efficiency gas furnace is often referred to as a condensing furnace. Unlike traditional furnaces, this heating system has a second heat exchanger that captures extra heating energy before the furnace will exhaust gases and this additional heat outside via PVC pipes.

If you’re not convinced yet, here are seven reasons to replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency furnace!

1. More Manageable Energy Bills

One of the top advantages high-efficiency furnaces offer is cheaper energy bills. The high-efficiency rating means these heating systems use less gas to heat your home, possibly saving thousands on energy costs over time.

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 making heat. The higher the rating, the more usable heat you’ll receive and the more efficient it will be.

2. Improved Comfort

A high-efficiency gas furnace is created to provide comfortable heat during all types of weather and in especially 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 high all the time, the furnace can operate at a slower speed when needed and supply 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 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 helpful for those who need a quiet environment for sleeping or studying. If you’re worried about quiet operation, a two-stage furnace makes less noise because it can operate at a lower speed.

4. Healthier Indoor Air Quality

High-efficiency gas furnaces are made with increased levels of air filtration to capture pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is especially useful for those who live in places that have high concentrations of dust and other pollutants.

5. Better for the Environment

High-efficiency furnaces are an green solution for heating your home. They have a high energy efficiency rating that saves on natural gas fuel expenses while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Additional Rebates

Buying a high-efficiency furnace may qualify you for for additional rebates, especially if you buy one that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified. A gas furnace that’s earned this certification must satisfy 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 greater for southern climates

Along with the additional rebates and the improved comfort your furnace delivers, you’ll appreciate lower energy costs throughout its life span.

7. Works with Smart Thermostats

Most homeowners use 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 use 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 guessing about keeping your home at an energy-efficient temperature. Your thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and make energy savings for your higher efficiency gas furnace.

Since the majority of smart thermostats are ENERGY STAR certified, utility companies frequently offer generous 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 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 sorting through higher efficiency models. Give us a call today at 510-343-9841 for a free estimate appointment for your new furnace. We’ve been offering furnace installation in The Bay Area and surrounding areas since {year}, and we’re proud to be the company your neighbors and friends count on.