Whether you’re purchasing a heating system for your newly constructed home or you’re getting ready to replace your outdated unit, one of the most popular options is the furnace. These can run on natural gas, propane, oil, and even electricity. Nowadays, you have the choice between standard models and high-efficiency units. Below, we’ll dive into more detail about these different systems so you can choose which one is appropriate for your home.
Standard vs. High-Efficiency Models
All furnaces are given a rating on the AFUE scale, which stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This rating describes how much of the fuel input is converted into usable heat. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the heating system is. It’s important to note that all furnaces that burn natural gas, propane, and heating oil will always input more energy than their output as part of the combustion process.
Standard-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating of around 80 to 85%. This means that roughly about 15 to 20% of their energy input is wasted in the fuel generation process. High-efficiency furnaces have a rating ranging anywhere from 90 to 98%. These units use more advanced designs, like variable-speed blowers, secondary heat exchangers, and modulating burner controls, to operate more efficiently. Thanks to technology like secondary heat exchangers, high-efficiency units are able to extract more heat from their flue gases than standard models.
Up-Front Cost vs. Long-Term Savings
One of the biggest concerns that any homeowner has about purchasing a furnace is its up-front cost. Doing a direct comparison of standard versus high-efficiency units, the latter is always going to be more expensive. High-efficiency units require special venting, condensate drains, and other additional installation features that standard units don’t. This further increases their installation cost.
While the up-front cost of a high-efficiency furnace is higher than that of a standard unit, it’s also important to consider long-term operating costs. A furnace that operates at 98% efficiency will cost less to run over the winter season compared to one that operates at 80%. It can be helpful to factor in the long-term energy savings when considering total unit cost.
Comfort and Performance Benefits
One thing you’ll notice when upgrading from a standard furnace to a high-efficiency one is a distinctive increase in comfort. High-efficiency units have advanced technology, like modulating burners and variable-speed blowers. This allows them to produce a more consistent temperature without a blast of hot air followed by a cooling-off period. Many of these high-efficiency furnaces will run at a lower speed for longer to produce more even heating.
Because of this technology, high-efficiency units are much quieter than standard models. Their slower operating speed always benefits your indoor air quality. This is because it allows more time for your air filter to trap unwanted airborne contaminants flowing through your ducting. It’s also important to note that high-efficiency furnaces tend to come with smart technology integration. By using devices like smart thermostats and smart zoning, you can better customize your household comfort.
Environmental Impact
The main contrast in the environmental impact of a standard vs. a high-efficiency furnace is in their energy consumption. Since high-efficiency furnaces use much less energy to produce the same amount of heat as standard units, they’re considered better for the environment. Additionally, the combustion of toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide, is much less in high-efficiency units compared to standard ones.
Life Span and Maintenance Requirements
Most standard and high-efficiency furnaces have a usable life span of between 15 and 20 years. This is assuming the unit receives proper care and upkeep. Furnaces powered solely by electricity can last between 20 and 30 years. Both units will need routine maintenance to stay in good working condition throughout the year.
We suggest annual maintenance every fall to prep your heater for the upcoming season. High-efficiency units may cost more for maintenance as they require more complex service than standard models.
A Look at Heating Alternatives
Apart from high-efficiency furnaces, there are some other high-efficiency heating systems you can choose to purchase. Heat pumps are one of the most well-known as they function as both a heating and cooling unit for all-year-round comfort. Heat pump efficiency can range from 200 to 300%, depending on numerous factors.
Ductless mini-splits use heat pump technology in a ductless setup. They can operate at 250 to 300% efficiency under ideal conditions. Radiant heating systems operated by a boiler can reach efficiencies between 90 and 95%. Electric radiant systems can reach a 100% operating efficiency. The same holds true for an electric furnace.
Does a High-Efficiency Furnace Make Sense for You?
It’s crucial to note that a high-efficiency furnace is just one type of home heating system out of many. Each homeowner will need to select the best system to meet their unique needs. A high-efficiency furnace may be the ideal choice for one household while a standard furnace may be a better option for another.
In general, there are some helpful guidelines you can follow to determine if a high-efficiency unit is the right option for your home. One of the biggest considerations is your climate. High-efficiency furnaces are a smart choice for homeowners looking to save a bundle on their wintertime heating bills. Those who live in cold climates will see the most benefit in energy savings.
Because of the higher up-front cost of a high-efficiency system, they’re typically ideal for homeowners who plan on remaining in their homes for the long term. If you plan on selling in a few years, it may not make financial sense to get a high-efficiency system. This is because its energy savings may not yet pay for the higher up-front system cost as compared to a standard unit.
One thing to keep in mind about purchasing a high-efficiency unit is that many will make you eligible to receive a tax incentive from the federal government. Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners can claim up to 30% of the total cost of their new system plus installation. High-efficiency units are more likely to qualify for the credit than standard efficiency ones. This tax credit could help offset the higher up-front purchase price, making a high-efficiency unit a no-brainer for your family.
A Quick Recap
There’s no doubt that home heating costs can make up a significant portion of your annual energy bills. As a homeowner, considering a high-efficiency furnace can be a feasible way to reduce your heating bills over the coming decades. High-efficiency units offer better comfort, lower energy bills, better indoor air quality, and quieter system operation and are generally considered to be more eco-friendly than their standard counterparts. However, high-efficiency systems come at a premium price that may deter some budget-conscious homeowners from taking the plunge.
Expert Furnace Installation Service
White Mechanical, Inc. offers expert furnace installation service for the Foothill Ranch, CA community. We can also assist with all your heating replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Call our office today to book your next service appointment with one of our helpful installation technicians. Be sure to ask about our value-rich, comprehensive maintenance plan!
