How A New Furnace Can Save You Money
Since fall weather brings more comfortable outdoor temperatures, we can turn up the air conditioning and turn down the heat in our homes to save energy. However, as winter approaches, we will begin seeing our energy bills rise again as the cold weather gets us cranking up the heat. If your energy bills are through the roof, you might consider replacing your furnace. Keep reading for ways buying a new furnace this winter can save you money.
1. Fewer Repair Costs
If your furnace is 10+ years old, you could already be experiencing the effects of regular wear and tear. If you’re regularly paying to fix costly breakdowns, you could save more money by replacing your furnace all together. Not to mention the health dangers of an old furnace — One of the most hazardous dangers of old furnaces is carbon monoxide poisoning from improper performance over time. Don’t let an outdated furnace dig a hole in your pocket or hinder the health and safety of your family.
2. Reduced Energy Usage
While you may not care about, or even notice your energy bills rising, small amounts will add up over time, and before you know it, you could be left paying an unsustainable amount on your energy bills each month. Because of new technological advances, furnaces now have AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of 94-97 percent. That means almost every bit of energy your furnace uses is turned into heat that’s dispersed throughout your home, and a significantly smaller amount of energy is wasted.
3. Long-Term Savings
Newer, more advanced furnaces have lifespans of around 20 years, and with the amount you’ll save on your energy bills each month, coupled with less costly repair bills, the money you invested in a new furnace will be paid back in no time. With the many years newer furnaces last, you’ll continue saving over time.
4. Second Heat Exchanger
Some new, highly efficient furnaces have two heat exchangers instead of one. These furnaces are known as condensing furnaces. The purpose of the first heat exchanger is to collect hot combustion gases and turn them into vapors as they cool down. As these vapors enter the second heat exchanger, condensation occurs extracting additional heat from the combustion gases. Basically, you’ll be using the same amount of energy with more efficient heating methods. In this way, you’ll save money AND be more comfortable.
5. Electronic Ignition
Instead of old standing pilot lights, newer furnaces use electronic igniters. Instead of using natural gas even when your furnace isn’t running, electronic igniters respond to the thermostat’s signal and only light up when the heat is running. This can save you a considerable amount of energy when you’re not even using your furnace.
What’s Next?
If you’re interested in upgrading your furnace, the professionals at Garrison & Garrison can help. We offer free in-home estimates where our technicians can calculate your heating needs according to the design, size, and structure of your house. Give us a call at (256) 859-8500 or email us at [email protected].
Garrison & Garrison is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Huntsville, AL. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
