Your furnace needs repairs and it’s got you wondering if it’s time for a replacement. Furnaces are expensive and no homeowner looks forward to when their furnace is too expensive to repair and replacing it is inevitable.
It makes sense that you’d want to spend as little money as possible. However, no homeowner wants to purchase a brand-new furnace and end up not being happy with their purchase! Not that a new furnace is going to need furnace repair in Wayne, NJ; we’re talking about performance here.
Lower-priced furnaces aren’t very energy efficient which means they’ll cost more to run over the course of their lifespan. Homeowners who have a bit more to spend when it’s time to buy a new furnace wonder just how much more they should spend. Let’s review high-efficiency furnaces to determine if it’s right for your home.
What Is a High-Efficiency Furnace?
A high-efficiency furnace is aptly named: it’s a furnace that runs extremely efficiently. Compared to standard systems, it’ll use less energy to operate, therefore saving you money on your utility bills.
A furnace’s efficiency is determined by its AFUE rating which stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency rating. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 83% means that for every dollar spent, 83 cents will go toward heating your home and 17 cents will be wasted. Take a look at this chart from Energy.gov.
Mid-Efficiency Heating Systems:
- Exhaust fan controls the flow of combustion air and combustion gasses more precisely
- Electronic ignition (no pilot light)
- Compact size and lighter weight to reduce cycling losses
- Small-diameter flue pipe
- 80% to 83% AFUE
High-Efficiency Heating Systems:
- Condensing flue gasses in a second heat exchanger for extra efficiency
- Sealed combustion
- 90% to 98.5% AFUE
How Much Money Does a High-Efficiency Heating System Save?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. Your furnace’s efficiency depends on several factors besides its AFUE rating such as:
- How well is your home’s insulation?
- What condition is your ductwork in?
- Where is the furnace located?
- What’s the cost of utilities in your area?
- Was the furnace properly installed by professional HVAC technicians?
The easiest way to get an idea of just how much you stand to save is to use a furnace efficiency calculator. You’ll need to enter factors to determine your current furnace’s efficiency. Then compare it to furnaces with higher AFUE ratings to get an idea of your potential savings.
In a nutshell, high-efficiency furnaces make sense when:
- You live in a cold climate
- You don’t plan to sell your home for at least ten years
- Your local energy costs are higher than average
- You can apply state and government rebates and tax credits to your purchase
The Bottom Line
We know researching your new furnace can be a confusing and stressful process. It doesn’t have to be! We can advise you on the best furnace for the specific needs of your home and family. We can also tell you which rebates and tax credits you may qualify for.
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. to schedule furnace services today.