High Efficiency Furnace Systems

What You Need To Know About High Efficiency Furnace Systems

Choosing a new high efficiency furnace system for your home is an important decision that will affect your home's overall comfort and energy use. One of the major concerns for many homeowners is keeping their energy costs and use down while still being able to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature.

Investing in a high efficiency furnace system is an excellent option if you are looking for an efficient option and need the additional heating power of a traditional furnace. Heat pump split systems can provide enough heating in milder climates and are also an energy efficient alternative.  Deciding on whether to go with a heat pump system or a furnace and what's better for you, or both, is fairly simple but you will need to understand which will generate the amount of heat you need. 

Find out if a high efficiency furnace option is right for you by checking out how they operate and the benefits you can expect when installing one. Or, if you are ready to order one today, contact the Superior Home Supplies sales team to choose the best model for your heating needs.

What is a high efficiency gas furnace?

High-efficiency gas furnaces are furnaces with an annual fuel utilization efficiency or AFUE value above 90%. This means the system will convert 90% of the energy from the fuel into heat. These systems are called condensing furnaces, which use a second heat exchanger. This second exchanger will heat the air from the condensed exhaust gases. By doing so, higher efficiency can be achieved.

What is the difference between a high efficiency furnace and a regular furnace?

The two primary differences between a standard natural gas furnace and a high efficiency gas furnace are the AFUE rating and the presence of a secondary heat exchanger. Standard-efficiency furnaces average 80% energy conversion from gas to heat, while high efficiency models convert between 90 and 97%. This not only makes them more efficient but also more environmentally friendly.

Is the cost of a high efficiency furnace worth it?

It is no surprise that high efficiency systems come with a higher initial cost. The units cost more and also require some extras during installation. Along with the system, multiple PVC pipes will need to be installed for venting, and a drain line will need to be installed to assist with moisture removal.

These additional costs, along with the higher cost of the energy-efficient furnace unit, make it a significant initial investment. Yet, with an average savings of $1,000 more per year over a standard efficiency model, you will easily repay the cost before the system reaches its 15-year life span, making it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who want to do their part to protect the environment.

Do high efficiency furnaces have more problems?

Since high efficiency furnaces have more parts and attachments to the system, they encounter more problems and repairs than other models. Yet, as long as homeowners stick to a regular maintenance schedule, these problems are less likely to occur until the system is much older and close to the age of replacement.

How much should a high efficiency furnace cost?

The total cost for your high efficiency furnace will depend on the brand of furnace you choose as well as any additional construction needed during installation to accommodate drain lines and venting, but on average most homeowners pay somewhere between $3,000 and $9,000 for the system and installation.

What are the benefits of a high efficiency furnace?

Many benefits come with installing a high efficiency furnace. Some are related to savings on your heating bills, while others are related to the comfort in your home. Some of the most significant advantages that come with a more energy-efficient gas furnace include:

• Lower energy bills: Reduced utility bills are one of the best benefits of installing a high efficiency heating system. Since the system uses gas more efficiently, less will be needed to heat your home properly.
• Improved comfort: High-efficiency furnaces can help keep your home at a comfortable temperature even when the temperatures drop considerably. The two heat exchangers, sealed combustion chamber, and variable speed blower allow the system to deliver more usable gas at a steadier pace, making the temperature in your home more consistent.
• Quieter operation: This type of system often produces less noise during operation as it is not working as hard as other options to get your home to a comfortable temperature.
• Improved indoor air quality: High-efficiency furnaces have greater air filtration, which means more pollutants will be caught and removed from the air, improving the overall air quality of your home.
• Environmentally friendly: These furnaces are considered a more environmentally friendly option as they can more efficiently use gas and therefore utilize fewer fossil fuels.
• Available rebates: High-efficiency furnaces are Energy Star qualified and approved by the Department of Energy for several rebates. To be eligible for these rebates, your system will need a 95% AFUE if you are in northern climates and a 90% or above AFUE for areas in the south.
• Compatible with smart thermostats: You can pair your high efficiency gas furnace with a smart thermostat to maximize your energy efficiency and savings.

Are there drawbacks to high efficiency furnaces?

Even though many pros come with a high efficiency furnace installation, there are some drawbacks that should be considered. Some of the cons of high efficiency furnaces include:

• Higher initial costs: While you can save a significant amount on your annual energy bills, the cost of the equipment and initial installation of the system can be an investment. To make the investment worthwhile, you must plan to use the system for at least 15 years.
• More complicated installation: Since installing high efficiency unit models may require additional pipes for venting and draining. Your HVAC contractor may require more time to install the system.
• More potential problems: Since the higher-efficiency models have more parts and components, there are more that can become damaged and worn, meaning they may need more repairs when the system gets older.

Do high efficiency furnaces really make a difference in energy efficiency?

Your heating and cooling system will account for about half of the total energy costs in your home and more than half of your energy bills. Since switching to a high efficiency furnace can save you a significant amount on your heating and cooling costs, the savings will translate to a substantial cut in your overall energy costs. These systems also tend to last longer than traditional gas furnaces and lead to less carbon dioxide in the air, making them energy-friendly and environmentally friendly.

Should I get a gas furnace or an electric furnace?

Deciding which type of furnace system for your heating needs will depend on what you wish to use for your power and fuel source and assessing the pros and cons of each option. Gas furnaces work by using a pilot light or heat source to ignite the natural gas, which is blown through your home's ductwork until the desired temperature is reached.

Electric furnaces work similarly, but instead of combustion of gas, it relies on heated could for the heat source. If you want to save more on utility bills, gas furnaces are the better option as electricity is more expensive than gas. But if you are looking for a more environmentally-friendly system that is considered safer, an electric furnace would be the better option.

Should I choose a furnace system or a heat pump system?

Choosing between a Goodman furnace system and a Goodman heat pump system will depend on whether or not you have an air conditioning system currently in place and what the average temperatures are like in the area where you live. If you don't currently have an air conditioner, a Goodman heat pump can be a good option as it can reverse in the hotter months and draw the hot air out of the home, cooling it down.

A furnace will likely be better if you live in extreme temperatures. Heat pumps lose their efficiency when temperatures become extreme, making their energy costs as much as a furnace.

Find your new high efficiency system at Superior Home Supplies

Choose from some of the best brands and models of high efficiency furnaces at Superior Home Supplies. Not sure where to get started? Contact our customer service department today to help find the best system for your home.