As heating and cooling technology continues to evolve, more and more homeowners are making the switch to high-efficiency furnaces. Let’s explore the top reasons you should make the switch for your home as well.
Reduced Heating Costs
While a high-efficiency (HE) furnace costs more, it can save you money over time. One reason is that traditional furnaces lose heat through venting toxic gases. Many HE furnaces cut down on that loss significantly with a second heat exchanger.
HE furnaces also have dual-stage and even variable-speed air handling. Traditional furnaces run at a single speed. Dual-stage furnaces have low and high operating modes. Variable-speed furnaces can ramp up and down, often in 5% increments.
How does this translate to lower heating costs? The industry measures the efficiency of furnaces using annual fuel utilization efficiency. The current minimum AFUE is 80. That indicates a furnace uses 80% of the fuel it burns to create heat. The other 20% is waste. HE furnaces have an AFUE of 90 or higher, which means there’s much less waste.
Smaller Carbon Footprint
Heating is a significant contributor to the average U.S. household’s carbon footprint. By using less fuel to achieve the same amount of heat, HE furnaces emit fewer greenhouse gases. The Department of Energy estimates that upgrading can lower a household’s carbon emissions by 1.5 tons annually.
Enhanced Comfort
HE furnaces can improve your comfort in several ways. They burn cleaner and release fewer particles and odors into the air. HE models can achieve your desired temperature quicker and deliver more even heating. Operating at a slower speed as needed helps to avoid cold and hot spots. Dual-stage and variable-speed blowers also create less noise.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Releasing fewer odors and particles is one way HE furnaces improve indoor air quality. Another way is that they don’t have to cycle as often and for as long. That results in less forced air through the home. These systems typically provide better air filtration as well. The industry uses minimum efficiency reporting value to measure filter effectiveness. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller and more particles a filter can trap. The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 16. Modern mid-efficiency furnaces generally support up to 13, and many support only 8 or less. Many HE furnaces, on the other hand, support up to 16.
Longer Lifespan
HE furnaces can achieve longer lifespans. The reason is that these models don’t have to run as often, which means there’s less wear and tear on the components. With routine seasonal maintenance, it’s not unusual for an HE furnace to last 25 years or longer.
Improved Home Value
Appraisers will consider all home improvements when assessing market value. Energy efficiency upgrades can have dramatically more value than their standard counterparts. In colder climates, an HE furnace can also make a home much more appealing to potential buyers.
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a program through which the Environmental Protection Agency certifies furnaces and other appliances. To achieve certification, a system must meet high energy efficiency standards through independent lab testing. The ENERGY STAR label gives you confidence in your purchase, and most HE furnaces have the label. Certification may also make you eligible for energy incentives.
Rebates
There are rebates available for HE furnaces through many sources, including ENERGY STAR, other federal programs, and local utility companies. Most, if not all, of these rebates require ENERGY STAR certification. Some rebates provide an upfront discount to make budgeting easier. Others are available to you after you’ve completed the installation.
Tax Credits
Federal tax credits are another way you can recoup your investment sooner. The most widely available is the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. It’s worth 30% of the HE furnace installation up to $2,000. If you make other home efficiency upgrades, you can claim up to $3,200 annually. Note that this is a nonrefundable credit, so you must owe taxes to benefit.
High-Efficiency Furnace Installation in Sioux Falls
Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. has installed furnaces in Sioux Falls, SD and throughout the surrounding areas since 1950. Our technicians also install, maintain, and repair air conditioners, air-source and geothermal heat pumps, and mini-splits. Our indoor air quality team cleans ducts and installs and services air purifiers, germicidal lights, and humidity control equipment. We have licensed electricians specializing in rewiring, electrical panel upgrades, and standby generators. Our team also installs and services tank and tankless water heaters. Schedule online, or call us today with any questions and to book an appointment.
