If you still have one of those older, low-efficiency furnaces, you could be wasting up to 35 percent of every dollar you spent on your heating bills. That’s because older heating systems have a low efficiency rating of 65 to 75 percent AFUE.

If you are looking into upgrading your furnace, read on to find out how newer, high-efficiency heating systems can help you save money.

The U.S. Department of Energy demands that all furnaces must convert at least 80 percent of their fuel into heat. Thankfully, high-efficiency furnaces have a minimum of 90 percent AFUE, which uses less fuel and lowers your carbon footprint. Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace can make all the difference in your heating bills and more importantly, your home comfort.

New Berlin Heating and Air Conditioning is a heating company in Waukesha, WI that partners with some of the best furnace manufacturers in the world to offer you high-efficiency furnaces designed to help both you and the environment.

Understanding the Different Classifications of Furnaces

In addition to its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), a system’s efficiency can be identified by its equipment features.

Low-Efficiency Furnaces:

  • Heavy heat exchanger
  • Continuous pilot light
  • 56% to 70% AFUE

Mid-Efficiency Furnaces:

  • Electronic ignition (no pilot light)
  • More compact and lighter than old furnaces
  • Exhaust fan controls the flow of combustion air and gases more accurately
  • 80% to 83% AFUE

High-Efficiency Furnaces

  • Sealed combustion
  • Condensing flue gases in a second heat exchanger for added efficiency
  • 90% to 98.7% AFUE

Reasons to Upgrade to High-Efficiency Furnaces

The U.S. government particularly offers a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent, or up to $1500 if you purchase and have a high-efficiency furnace installed in your home.

While it is true that lower efficiency furnaces are less expensive, this tax credit can make up for the price difference, should you decide to go with a high-efficiency heating system.

Most high-efficiency furnaces have the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR products are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR label, furnaces must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants; and you get the features and quality you expect.

Benefits of High-Efficiency Furnaces

  • Greater Comfort – Variable-speed technology, modulating gas valves and other technological advancements enable high-efficiency systems to produce more consistent heating, maintain temperature at a more constant level, provide more balanced air flow, and offer superior humidity control compared to older systems. Improved airflow doesn’t only result in better-controlled temperature, it also helps remove air contaminants, prevent the development of mold and simply create a more pleasant and healthy breathing environment. Thanks to high-efficiency furnaces’ use of upgraded filtration systems.
  • Programmable and Smart Thermostats – The utilization of programmable thermostats is a standard feature of modern, high-efficiency furnaces, which can give you better temperature control over specific rooms. You’ll have the ability to keep some spaces warmer or cooler than others while setting your system to use less energy when you aren’t at home.
  • Smart thermostats, on the other hand, have the ability to learn your personal schedule and preferences, which makes it easy to be energy efficient by simply allowing the thermostat to control the temperature in your home. If you’re the type of person who tends to let your furnace or air conditioner running all day, you’ll appreciate the way smart thermostats can detect that you’re away. It will then make the necessary adjustments to ensure your system runs accordingly.
  • Better Performance – With regular proper maintenance, high-efficiency furnaces are designed to minimize on/off cycling, which means they won’t need as many repairs and will last longer compared to older units.

High-efficiency furnaces are typically constructed with sound-absorbing materials, which significantly reduce noise levels while running.

Have More Questions?

If you are considering upgrading to a high-efficiency heating system, call New Berlin Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer some of the most innovative and advanced furnace models that can greatly impact your overall home comfort and energy savings. Be one of our valued customers who continue to trust us with their New Berlin furnace replacement needs.