Is a high-efficiency furnace worth it?

The upfront cost of a high-efficiency furnace may be higher, but the energy savings will pay off in the long run. Before you install, ensure your home is airtight so that the furnace will operate as efficiently as possible.

How long should a gas furnace last?

A gas furnace should last for 16 - 20 years.

What is a high-efficiency furnace?

A furnace in which 90% or more of the fuel it consumes is generated into usable heat. This is indicated by an AFUE rating.

Is a two-stage furnace worth the money?

It can be worth the money if your home is airtight, and you are looking for higher efficiency, quietness, and better heat distribution compared to your current furnace. The upfront costs are higher; however, so are the energy savings that will make up the difference over time.

What qualifies as a high-efficiency furnace?

To qualify as a high-efficiency furnace, it must have an AFUE of 90% or greater.

How do I know if my furnace is high efficiency?

You can determine if your furnace is high efficiency if it has an AFUE rating of 90% or greater.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is a measure of how efficiently a furnace uses its fuel.

What is a good AFUE rating?

A high-efficiency gas furnace will have an AFUE rating of 90 - 97%, a mid-efficiency will range from 80 - 85%, and low efficiency will have a minimum rating of 78%.

In-Depth Product Guide

High Efficiency Gas Furnace

FAQs

·Related

A high-efficiency gas furnace is an air heating unit fired with natural gas or propane that has high efficiency of at least 95%. These furnaces use condensing technology to wring out all the heat possible from the exhaust gases.

Look for Energy Star labels, and efficiency ratings greater than 95%. Efficiency is rated as Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Furnaces contain air filters that need to be cleaned or replaced periodically. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions and keep a record of furnace maintenance.

By using 6% less gas than a standard model, a high-efficiency furnace can reduces your energy bills and your greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to note that even high-efficiency gas furnaces are inefficient compared to other heating systems types such as ground or air sourced heat pumps.

High-efficiency condensing furnaces are so efficient, capturing so much of the heat of combustion, that their flue gas is low enough temperature to go out through a plastic pipe without melting it. It's amazing to think of a combustion appliance with a plastic chimney!

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