With the cold months setting in, now might be the right time for you to consider buying a new furnace. If your furnace is more than 12 years old, the experts agree it is time for a replacement. With all the options out there, you may be wondering what furnace is the right fit for your home. Purchasing a high efficiency furnace could save you big in the long run.
At Galmiche & Sons, we want to help you make an educated decision. We have complied this short informative article to ensure your new furnace is the right one. Read on to learn more. If you have any further questions about high efficiency furnaces or anything else related to your heating & air conditioning needs contact us any time online or by phone at 314-993-1110!
Should I Choose A High Efficiency Furnace?
The higher efficiency a furnace is, the less energy it will use and the lower operating costs will be. While this sounds great, the trade off is that high efficiency furnaces come with a much higher initial price tag. So it is important to understand high efficiency furnaces and how they work in order to determine the most cost effective choice for your home.
Understanding Factors Contributing to Energy Efficiency
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE is a number indicating the amount of energy used compared to the amount wasted. If a furnace has an AFUE of 70% that means 70% of the fossil fuel used actually heats your home and 30% is wasted. A high efficiency furnace could have as much as a 98% AFUE. That means almost none of the fuel is wasted.
Non-Condensing Vs. Condensing High Efficiency Furnaces
The two categories of gas furnaces in North America are condensing and non-condensing.
- Non-condensing Furnace – A furnace with an 80%-90% AFUE is non-condensing. These furnaces are mid efficiency and they typically vent exhaust out of your home through the roof.
- Condensing Furnace – A high efficiency furnace has a 90% or higher AFUE. These appliances use a secondary heat exchanger to reach higher efficiency through condensed exhaust. Condensing furnaces require specialized venting.
Saving Money with a High Efficiency Furnace
When you purchase a high efficiency furnace, you are making an investment in your future. These models have a higher initial cost, but the savings are huge in the long run. High efficiency furnaces don’t have to work as hard to heat your home evenly. This means lower monthly bills for you, so you can save for the things that matter. Replacing your furnace before the cold months settle in will ensure you don’t experience those frustrating furnace breakdowns at the most inconvenient times.
Help Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
As times goes on, we are becoming more aware of our impact on the environment. We take small steps every day to live a greener lifestyle. When you purchase a high efficiency furnace, you are making a positive decision not just for your pocket book, but also for the planet. Remember the higher AFUE, the better a furnace is for the environment.
Call Galmiche & Sons Now to Learn More About High Efficiency Furnaces!
Galmiche & Sons has been a trusted name in St. Louis heating & air conditioning since 1950. We care about delivering excellence in every step of your HVAC experience. Call us today at 314-993-1110 to schedule a walk through and get answers to any questions you may still have regarding high efficiency furnaces. We look forward to hearing from you!
