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A New
Furnace Can Reduce Heating Costs
Heating bills across the country are the highest
they have ever been, with out any relief in sight. Even if your older
furnace runs, from an economic standpoint it would be wise to replace
it. With the proper furnace selection, your central air-conditioning
bills can be lower too.
Compared with a
17-year-old furnace, a new furnace can save the typical family hundreds
of dollars per year. Based on the efficiency of your old furnace,
probably 60% at best, a new furnace can cut your utility bills by 40%.
You can do the arithmetic to determine your annual savings.
Not only will you
have lower utility bills, but the comfort and quiet operation of a new
system will surprise you. The contractor should install a computerized
thermostat with it. This thermostat, coupled with the electronic
controls in the new furnace, will maintain even room temperatures.
You can choose
from two basic designs of furnaces: condensing and non-condensing. The
condensing models (this refers to the type of heat exchanger used) are
the most efficient and the best choice for most homeowners. The
efficiencies of condensing models range from about 90% to over 95%.
These models are
very efficient, and so little heat is lost in the flue gases that a
chimney is not needed. The gases are exhausted by a 2-inch-diameter
plastic pipe through an outdoor wall. With no need for a new chimney
liner, a condensing furnace is often cheaper to install.
Some models also
offer sealed combustion for better efficiency. The combustion air is
drawn in from outdoors through another plastic pipe instead of being
drawn from inside your house. Being sealed, there are fewer indoor
drafts, less noise and less chance of hazardous back drafting.
For the ultimate
in comfort and efficiency, but at a higher initial cost, is a two-stage
heat output furnace with a variable-speed blower. This type of blower is
needed if you want the best central air-conditioning.
In all but the
coldest weather, the gas burners operate at a low heat level. This
allows the furnace to run more continuously with fewer uncomfortable
on/off cycles. The blower also runs slower and quieter at this low
level. During very cold weather, it automatically switches to high heat.
If your budget
allows, also install a quality air cleaner. Since a two-stage unit runs
more, the air cleaner is more effective for allergy sufferers.
Call us for a quote on a new high efficiency furnace
828-325-0072
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