If a new high-efficiency furnace is top of the list of purchases for your home for the winter, you’re probably thinking mainly about the years of cozy warmth you’ll get from it. A new furnace certainly can help you sleep a lot easier – no breakdowns, no calling out the plumber on those cold mornings without hot water or heating. But there are other benefits to high-efficiency furnaces too. They help both your bank balance and the environment. Energy efficiency is now one of the most important factors that homeowners consider when choosing a furnace.

What is a high-efficiency furnace?
With all the work it does to provide heating, the furnace is the single biggest energy guzzler in most homes. Energy costs are not about to come down any time soon, so switching to a more energy-efficient model of furnace can make a big difference to the bills. A high-efficiency furnace will have an energy rating of 90-98 percent. This is a measure of how efficient the unit is at converting fuel into heat. The higher the energy rating, the less fuel is wasted during the heating process, which is better for your pocket and better for the environment.

How does a high-efficiency furnace save money?
The purpose of any furnace is to heat air and move it through the home. Furnaces use natural gas or propane as fuel to do that. A high-efficiency furnace saves money because of two major developments in furnace technology:
• They have two heat exchangers instead of one, so the condensed gas is converted into heat instead of being expelled through the exhaust as in older models.
• They use sealed combustion, where an air-intake pipe brings the air required for combustion from outside rather than using open combustion, where warm air from inside the home is heated (like with older models).

Is a high-efficiency furnace worth the extra money?
With any new furnace, of course, there is a significant upfront cost for a homeowner. However, payment plans with generous terms are offered and this can “lower the bar of entry” if you don’t have the savings available immediately. If you consider purchasing an energy-efficient furnace as an investment for many years, it starts to make good sense because it will save you money every month for years AND remove the stress of potential breakdowns and the expense of regular repairs.

How efficient is my existing furnace?
The efficiency of a furnace is typically included on the sticker on the faceplate. If this is missing, search for your manufacturer and model number online and check what the energy efficiency rating (AFUE) is. Bear in mind that the installation location is important with your furnace. If you are replacing an existing furnace that sits in a crawl space or vented attic, the installation costs of a high-efficiency furnace may be higher because of the need to create a pathway for combustion air to enter the unit. On the other hand, if you’re installing a new furnace in a sealed area, you don’t need to worry about noxious gases escaping because of the sealed combustion system in a 95-percent unit – unlike with an 80-percent unit. After an inspection of your home, a heating expert should be able to advise you on the best choice of furnace based on its location and your energy goals.

Any other benefits?
As well as the money and energy-saving benefits of a high-efficiency furnace, many homeowners prefer their compact nature. These furnaces generally use less space than older furnaces, meaning that they can fit into tighter spaces – and you don’t have to worry about gases escaping into the home like with an older furnace. The generous warranties provided with such units lead to extra peace of mind and confidence that your furnace will last for years to come (generally around 20 years), paying you back every month.

how does a high-efficiency furnace save money?