Five things you will love about high-efficiency furnaces
Happy “nearly” Valentine’s Day everyone! Whether you’re looking to cozy up with your sweethearts at home, or are going out for a romantic dinner for two – having a warm environment is going to play a big part in making the night enjoyable (even if it’s not the first thing on your mind). If you’re out shopping for a new gas furnace and are having a hard time making a decision, we’re here to help.
Here are five reasons why you should choose a high-efficiency furnace for keeping you and your loved ones warm this winter.
- Even a standard-efficiency upgrade can be a great way to save money on heating costs. Now, imagine the savings if you shoot for more than standard-efficiency! Furnaces today reach nearly 100% efficiency.
- High-efficiency furnaces often come with home comfort features that can add additional comfort to your home! For example, variable-speed operation can lead to more even temperatures. Say goodbye to cold spots.
- While a fireplace may be romantic, it can actually be a major source of heat loss. So, while the area immediately around your fire could be warm, the rest of your house may be cooler. While we don’t discourage using the fireplace completely (if you have one) just make sure you don’t forget to close the damper after each use. Then, your high-efficiency furnace should be able to get the rest of the house back to temperature quickly and efficiently.
- With a high-efficiency furnace, you are also reducing your environmental impact. After all, you are going to be using less energy to heat your home during the winter.
- And, at the end of the day, you will have more money to spoil yourself, or your sweetheart, this Valentine’s Day! More flowers and chocolate for everyone!
If you’re interested in upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace this winter, you should get in touch with your local HVAC contractor!
Did you recently switch to a high-efficiency furnace? Have you already seen savings on your heating costs?
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How does my home benefit from a filter change?
We’ve stressed, and then stressed again, the importance of regular filter changes. But, how exactly does your home benefit from a filter change? Well, let’s start off with a kind of scary fact – indoor air is often more polluted than your outdoor air. So, while air quality may be low outside, there could be a red level emergency right inside your home! That’s definitely not something you want to be up against, especially during the long winter months when people spend way more time indoors.
Here are a few things that can happen if you haven’t changed your filter in a while.
- A dirty filter can lead to dust accumulation inside your home. It’s hard enough keeping the home clean when you’re spending so much time indoors; don’t make your job harder!
- A dirty filter may not filter out allergy-inducing particles from your indoor air. So, if you suffer from allergies, a dirty filter will aggravate any symptoms.
- A dirty filter can lower the quality of your indoor air and lead to poor health or headaches.
- A dirty filter may cause HVAC system damage! Restricted airflow (from a dirty filter) can lead to inefficient performance, less than desirable comfort levels and potential system issues.
These are just a few ways that a dirty filter can ruin home comfort! Want more information about heating and cooling products to help purify your indoor air? Talk to your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
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Furnace Efficiency Ratings – Understanding AFUE
If you’re looking for a way to predict just how much your efficient gas furnace can save you, you need to understand efficiency ratings. The main efficiency ratings for all heating and air equipment are SEER, EER, HSPF, and AFUE. For furnaces, we’ll focus on AFUE.
AFUE, or the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a percentage that measures just how much of the energy that is put into a gas furnace is useful heating power – the greater the percentage, the better. Currently, minimum efficiency requirements for AFUE are 80%. But, gas furnaces can reach much higher levels of efficiency – even approaching 100% AFUE! So, say a gas furnace is 97% AFUE. That means that 97% of the energy (natural gas) that is put into the system is returned in heating power.
Just make sure if you make that investment in a furnace that is nearly 100% efficient, you are taking 
steps to ensure you are getting your money’s worth. Keep up with regular maintenance, register your warranty and get the home comfort additions to support high-efficiency operation (like a programmable thermostat or a zoning system).
Have you done your research on high-efficiency furnaces? If you’re thinking of purchasing one, make sure you get in tough with your local gas furnace contractor.
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Want to know how a high-efficiency furnace works? It’s all about condensing operation.
We’ve already established that the cost difference between a high-efficiency system and a standard-efficiency system can be made up over time through efficient operation (particularly if you live in an area that needs a lot of heating power). But, just how does a high-efficiency furnace work to save you money on heating costs?
We’ve already discussed basic furnace operation. Now, here’s the difference between standard-efficiency and high-efficiency models.
In gas furnaces, there is a component called a heat exchanger. This is where natural or propane gas is converted into heat energy and byproducts produced from the combustion process are vented through the flue system. Well, in a condensing gas furnace, there is more than one heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger removes more heat from the combustion gases, which then condense to produce water vapor. Then, cooled flue gas is vented out of the flue system. This is why units produced today can reach staggering efficiency levels – nearly 100% AFUE.
Did you already know this? If you’re interested in having a high-efficiency furnace installed in your home, talk to your local heating and air conditioning specialist.
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Just how much can you save with a high-efficiency furnace?
Are you trying to figure out the best way to cut back on heating expenses during the winter? Although there are little things you can do (turning the thermostat down, investing in weather stripping, closing blinds, etc.) the change that is going to make the biggest impact is upgrading from an old furnace to a new high-efficiency model.
Older models, from 10 or so years ago, did not have to meet the same efficiency requirements that systems manufactured today have to meet. So, not only will the efficiency of your old system have decreased (through normal use), it may have started off less efficient than even standard-efficiency systems today. That’s why you can save money with even a standard-efficiency system.
High-efficiency furnaces can dramatically reduce utility bills because heating and cooling costs comprise most of your utility expenses (nearly 50% according to the Department of Energy). Say you currently have a furnace operating at 70% AFUE and you upgrade to a 95% AFUE model. That’s an increase in efficiency of approximately 26%. Say your heating bill runs approximately $100 a month on average currently; that’s a savings of around $26 a month or $312 a year.
Plus, there are additional home comfort systems that can help you save even more money. Like pairing your high-efficiency gas furnace with a digital programmable thermostat or a zoning system.
Have you talked to your local heating and air dealer about your high-efficiency furnace options? If you have a high-efficiency furnace, have you seen savings on your heating bills?
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7 things you should know about high-efficiency gas furnaces
If you’re thinking about getting a new furnace, it is well worth your time to investigate your high-efficiency furnace options. Not only are new, high-efficiency furnaces more technologically advanced than that old clunker in your basement, but upgrading to high-efficiency is your best bet when it comes to cutting utility bill expenses. After all, heating your home (during the winter months) is going to make up the biggest chunk of your utility costs.
Here are a few quick facts about high-efficiency furnaces that you should know before you settle on a system.
- Most high-efficiency furnaces (over 90% AFUE) are condensing. This means that they can extract additional heat from water vapor that would normally be wasted up your flue. That’s what makes them so efficient.
- HVAC costs make up about half of your utility bill expenses. This means that if you can see savings here, you can see BIG savings overall.
- Some high-efficiency furnaces are nearly 100% efficient. This means that nearly all of the energy that goes into your gas furnace is returned in heating power.
- AFUE (or annual fuel utilization efficiency) is the standard measurement of efficiency of gas furnaces. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the unit.
- Minimum efficiency standards have been raised dramatically over the past 10 years. That means that the old furnace in your basement could be upwards of 10% less efficient that even standard-efficiency units today.
- Standard furnaces, as part of a split-system, aren’t the only way you can enjoy gas furnace heating power. Gas packs and packaged dual-fuel systems, can also contain all of the components of a high-efficiency gas furnace.
- Natural gas furnaces are often more efficient than other furnaces (like oil and electric). That’s because natural gas tends to be the cheaper utility in most areas.
So, are you still considering a high-efficiency furnace? Or, do you think you can still save with a standard-efficiency upgrade?
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There are many benefits of choosing a dual fuel heat pump system
Still stuck when it comes to picking the right heating and air conditioning equipment? Well, today, we’ll break down another type of system for you – the dual-fuel heat pump system.
So, what exactly is a dual-fuel heat pump system setup? Well, it includes two essential parts – a heat pump and a gas furnace (for more information about heat pumps and gas furnaces, visit our previous articles). Basically, it is the best of both worlds – it can cool and heat your home with electricity to a certain point and then switch over to gas heat for extra power. Dual-fuel systems come in both packaged and split varieties.
Of course, you can always get an air conditioner and gas furnace paired to get both heating and cooling (using gas and electricity, respectively). But, what about those times in between?
Here are some big benefits of choosing a dual-fuel system.
- Versatility. With a dual-fuel system, you have heating options. You can heat with electricity OR gas. Is it cool, but not cold enough to warrant gas heat? You can STILL use electric heat. Is it too cold outside? Switch over to gas to reduce bills and increase comfort!
- Electric heat TRANSFER. We’ll get into this more later, but heat pumps employ heat transfer (as opposed to creating original heat). This will use less electricity.
- Cost effective heat source. Unlike all electric or all gas heating methods, you don’t have the option of using the most efficient heat source for the season. In deep winter, it’s much more cost effective to heat a home with natural gas (particularly if temperatures are dropping below freezing frequently).
- Variety. These units come in both packaged and split varieties. The split varieties can come in a mix of efficiencies to suit every budget. So, no matter what your home situation is, you can find the right system for you.
Make sure you talk to your local heating and cooling dealer before you make any system decisions. They will be able to let you know whether this is the right type of system for your home.
Are you considering a dual-fuel system? If you have one, what is your favorite part of your dual-fuel system?
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Replacing your gas furnace? You may want to think about replacing that air conditioner while you’re at it.
Earlier this week, we explored what you should know when you replace your gas furnace. But, did you know that it can also be a good idea to replace your air conditioner while you’re at it? Planning ahead is always best practice – particularly when it comes to home comfort. You don’t want to be “left in the heat” without an air conditioner when spring and summer roll around.
Here are a few reasons why the fall can be the ideal time to replace your air conditioner.
- Not in use. For most areas of the country, your air conditioner is not being used during the fall. It’s better to go ahead and replace that old system before it’s needed. This way, you won’t have any days where you’re suffering without air conditioning.
- Matched systems. For those of you who are replacing your gas furnace, it’s a good idea to look at your cooling equipment anyway. Indoor and outdoor components of a split system must be matched in order to enjoy the best efficiency and performance possible.
- Deals! Because fewer air conditioners are installed during the fall, you may find that you can get a deal through your contractor on a brand-new air conditioner. HOWEVER, make sure you talk to your local HVAC contractor and make sure this is the case. Get a few quotes to be sure you are getting a good combination of quality and affordability.
Are you going to replace your air conditioner any time soon?
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What to look for in a brand-new gas furnace
Ready to toss out that old gas furnace and upgrade to a bright and shiny, new model? Well, we think you’ve made an excellent choice. Not only can a brand-new furnace make your home more comfortable than that old model, it can save you some money along the way. Here are some things you should know before you take the plunge and buy a brand-new gas furnace:
- Hire the right professional. Get several quotes. Ask for recommendations. And, do your research online. Installation quality is heavily tied into the continued quality of your gas furnace – this is not the place to skimp. Here is a more in-depth look into hiring an HVAC contractor.
- Compare performance features. Want to save energy? Go with a multi-stage unit instead of a single-stage unit. Want a better mixture of air throughout your home? Check out a variable-speed furnace. New gas furnaces come with many bells and whistles that help reduce spending and increase comfort – they’re not just for show.
- Don’t just go with the cheapest system. Make sure you think about long-term savings. Although the initial sticker price may seem costly, it’ll be worth it in the end. Utility bill savings can make up those initial costs over time.
- Check out the benefits of zoning. Zoning systems can be great for reducing utility bills and increasing comfort. Ask your contractor whether your home can benefit from a zoning system.
- Know what’s involved in the costs of your new system. Installation prices will comprise a big chunk of your final bill. But, the price of your new system also includes: ductwork, size, efficiency, comfort additions, and more.
- Make sure your system is correctly sized. Your HVAC contractor should perform a Manual J load calculation to make sure the unit is the right size.
- Warranty registration! Ask whether it is your responsibility or your contractor’s responsibility to register your warranty. After you register your equipment, you’ll enjoy full warranty coverage.
- Don’t forget about IAQ! The quality of your indoor air is just as important as the temperature of that air. Surprisingly, indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air. That makes indoor air quality systems like air cleaners and UV air purifiers that much more important!
Does the process of finding a new gas furnace still seem daunting? What else do you want to know about buying a gas furnace?
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The perks of upgrading to a new furnace
Besides getting rid of that ghastly, energy-guzzling nightmare in your basement, there can be many perks of ditching that old gas furnace and going with a new one – particularly if your old furnace is over 20 years old. From efficiency potential to home comfort features – a brand-new gas furnace has many perks that weren’t around even 10 years ago.
Here are some big benefits of buying a new gas furnace.
- Efficiency boost. Here’s the big benefit – a boost in efficiency. The more energy efficient your gas furnace, the less money you will spend on heating during the winter. In some cases, this can more than recoup the costs of purchasing a brand-new system.
- Comfort upgrade. Systems now contain features that help stabilize comfort throughout your entire home (like variable-speed operation and zoning systems). Have cold spots? It’s probably not a ghost, just uneven comfort. You can remedy this through a zoning system, variable-speed operation or different heating stages.
- Catch any kinks. This is also a good time to examine your whole-home heating and cooling system to make sure that everything is working properly. Make sure that when your contractor is giving you an estimate for a new system, they check out the duct work as well.
These are just a few perks of replacing your old, rickety gas furnace with something newer. Ultimately, those out-of-pocket costs will seem like a great investment after you get that first gas bill back.
Have you recently replaced your gas furnace? How does the new model compare to the old model?