When facing a furnace replacement, homeowners are wise to consider high-efficiency systems. They not only offer higher energy savings, but they also generate a higher return on investment in terms of lower lifetime costs, fewer repairs and a longer life span. Here’s what you need to know about high-efficiency furnaces, along with a rundown of their key benefits.
How is furnace efficiency rated?
The Department of Energy outlines minimum efficiency standards for heating and cooling systems, which begin at 78 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE shows a system’s capacity to generate heat based on the fuel it consumes. High-efficiency systems generally begin at 90 percent AFUE, so this particular rating would offer 90 percent heat production for the fuel consumed, while 10 percent is lost.
What are the benefits of choosing a high-efficiency furnace replacement?
Manufacturers generally employ high-tech features to allow furnaces to reach higher efficiencies. Some features also promote improved comfort.
Multi-stage gas valves regulate the flow of fuel into the furnace, allowing it to consume less fuel when the home’s heating load is lower. It also promotes consistent temperatures in the home.
Variable-speed air handlers adjust the speed at which heated air is delivered, also responding to the home’s heating load on a minute-by-minute basis. In general, this component is designed to run continuously over the course of the day to boost comfort and save energy.
Dual heat exchangers in condensing units capture a majority of the heat in combustion gases as they condense, greatly boosting the efficiency of the furnace. In standard systems, energy in combustion gases is simply lost up the flue.
When choosing a high-efficiency system as your furnace replacement, you stand to gain in terms of:
Higher energy savings
Improved home comfort
Fewer repairs and a longer life span, as the components of the furnace are subject to less wear and tear. Furnace wear increases greatly from the demand placed on the unit as it starts and stops.
Local Utilities often offer rebates for higher efficiency furnaces. Currently, Oklahoma Natural Gas has up to $550 for a 96% AFUE furnace upgrade.
Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has served homeowners in greater Broken Arrow for more than 30 years, and we're happy to help with your furnace replacement.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock