Are New Furnaces More Efficient?
Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair
December 10, 2023
Do you need a new furnace installed at your home? Contact Professional Services at 262-218-2636 today!
If you've noticed an increase in utility bills when you turn your furnace on, it may be time for a new heating unit. When your furnace struggles to heat your home, it uses more energy and drives up your utility costs. So, are new furnaces more efficient than older models?
Newer furnaces are much more efficient than older heating units. At Professional Services, we offer reliable furnace installation service throughout Port Washington, WI. Let's dig in to the specifics of the efficiency of new heating units and how to tell when it's time for a furnace replacement.
Why Do Newer Furnaces Have Increased Efficiency?
New furnaces have much better AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) than old furnaces when it comes to gas usage. Older units have an AFUE of 56 to 70%, which means they waste 30 to 44% of natural gas through their normal operations. New units have an AFUE of 80 to 98.5%, which earns them Energy Star certification.
New furnaces are more efficient than old furnaces for a variety of reasons. Thanks to advancements in modern technology, new heating units operate much smoother than furnaces of the past. The following are just a few features that make new furnaces more efficient:
Better Construction
Ongoing progress in HVAC manufacturing leads to continued improvements in how companies make heating units. Modern furnaces have improved construction, including lighter materials and energy-efficient engines.
Electronic Ignition Systems
For decades, standing pilot lights drained power while waiting for burners to come on and ignite furnaces. These outdated pilot lights are no longer common on new, efficient furnaces — electronic ignition is all the rage. Electronic ignition systems use less energy than standing pilot lights by only using power when necessary.
Condensing Furnaces
A condensing furnace is a specific type of high-efficiency furnace that saves energy by reducing the lost energy from combustion gases' exhaust. The residual vapor from a condensing furnace enters a second chamber where it releases more heat after the combustion fumes already transmitted their heat. These units are some of the most efficient types of gas furnaces on the market.
Lighter Heat Exchangers
Modern furnaces have lighter heat exchangers. The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the combustion gas to the outside air. A lighter heat exchanger is more effective at warming the air than the heavier heat exchangers found in older units.
Fans with Variable Speeds
Are new furnaces more efficient thanks to updated fans? In the past, furnace fans ran at the same speed all of the time when the unit was on.
In new furnaces, fans have variable speeds. Your furnace fan runs at a lower speed most of the time, using less energy while heating your home.
Sealed Combustion Chambers
Traditional furnaces had atmospheric combustion chambers, which were open to the remainder of the house. This allowed some heat to escape outside, causing the furnace to exert more energy.
Newer furnaces contain sealed combustion chambers, which draw necessary air through PVC pipe to the outdoors. This doesn't release any extra heat, keeping the system safer and preventing the furnace from drying out the air in your home.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Heating Unit?
How can you tell when it's time for a new furnace installation? There are several tell-tale signs your furnace is outdated and straining to work properly. Look out for these indications of a struggling furnace:
- Increasing utility bills
- Odd noises
- Burning smells
- Uneven heating throughout the house
- Poor air quality
- Frequent repairs
Getting a new furnace is not only great for improving your home's comfort but also for enhancing your energy efficiency. It's worth noting that some furnaces are more efficient than others. For example, gas furnaces are a popular option compared to their electric counterparts because gas furnaces heat the air faster and more efficiently.
Call Us at Professional Services for New Furnace Installation
If you've been wondering, "Are new furnaces more efficient than older HVAC systems?" now you have your answer! Upgrading your heater to a newer model is the perfect way to improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your utility costs.
At Professional Services, we offer new furnace installation and a wide array of other HVAC needs. Our dependable heating service has all of your HVAC needs covered, from buying new furnace parts to repairing an outdated system.
When it's time to
replace your outdated furnace, you know who to call! Contact Professional Services at
262-218-2636 for a new furnace consultation today.
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