How High-Efficiency Furnaces Use Less Energy Than Older Furnaces

If you do decide on furnace replacement (and if your furnace is older than 20 years, you definitely should), consider installing a high efficiency furnace. Although they are pricier than standard furnaces, the difference in cost to run them can be significant: a conventional furnace has an AFUE rating of 80%, while high-efficiency furnaces can have an AFUE rating of up to 97%!

The technology behind high efficiency furnaces

How do these furnaces manage such superior efficiency ratings? Partially it’s some standard improvements, such as electronic ignition and sealed combustion chambers. But there are three major differences you’ll find in high-efficiency models:

• A second heat exchanger: The furnaces known as condensing furnaces contain a second heat exchanger that allows the unit to draw more heat from the combustion gas. After the combustion gas in the first chamber cools down and turns into a vapor, it doesn’t get exhausted to the outside as in a conventional furnace. Instead it moves to this second heat exchanger, where through condensing it releases even more heat. This lowers the amount of fuel waste from the furnace.
• Multi-stage burners: A multi-stage furnace doesn’t have to run its burners at the same power level whenever they’re on. Much like the range of a gas stove, the burners can lower their flames and work at less powerful—and less energy-draining—levels. The furnace automatically adjusts the burner to the level necessary for both warmth and fuel conservation.
• Variable-speed blower: A variable-speed furnace saves money through electrical power as well. A fixed capacity blower fan, which is the type the average furnace has, always runs at top capacity when its on. A variable-speed blower will drop to a lower capacity and use less energy. About 75% of the time the blower is on will be at lower capacity.

Call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems LLC for furnace services in Whittier, NC.