If your furnace has broken down and requires a furnace replacement, you might be wondering if you should invest in a high-efficiency furnace. The answer is most definitely, yes! Unlike the yesteryears, there are many more options available to you today. When you install a heavy efficiency furnace, you can expect smooth operation and uniform heating. Read on to know more about the pros and cons of the latest high-efficiency furnaces available on the market.
Rewind to the late 1900s and even the early 2000s. Nearly every homeowner had a standard-efficiency furnace. These units are still available to purchase. However, their AFUE, which stands for annual fuel utilization, is 80%, unlike the more recent units that offer higher ratings. Like the AFUE rating suggests, only 80% of the heat produced by these units gets used to heat your house, and the rest is let out as exhaust.
Thanks to the advancements in technology, you can now be the proud owner of a high-efficiency furnace that has an AFUE rating of 90 to 97%. This indicates they are more efficient than their older counterparts. However, is a higher AFUE rating all that you must consider while buying a high-efficiency furnace? Are there any caveats?
Benefits of a High-Efficiency Furnace:
Better efficiency: As the name suggests, the most significant advantage is efficiency. When compared to standard units, higher efficiency furnaces certainly operate at improving efficiency levels. These units produce an additional 15% of heat, which is used to heat your house. This is undoubtedly a good thing. But, how does higher efficiency translate as a benefit to you? With better efficiency comes lower energy bills and a greener footprint – both clear advantages!
Sealed combustion: Many houses in Oregon have insulated attics or encapsulated crawl spaces that are sealed off from the outdoors. A high-energy efficient furnace does not use the air in this sealed-off area. It is designed to bring in air from the outdoors via a dedicated pipe. There is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning whatsoever, which is a common worry for standard-efficiency furnaces.
Downsides of a High-Efficiency Furnace
High Equipment Cost: One of the most significant drawbacks of a high-efficiency furnace is its upfront cost. These units cost at least 30-40% more than a standard-efficiency furnace. However, it is essential to remember that these units accrue significant savings in the long run.
Installation costs: If you are installing a high-efficiency furnace for the first time, your HVAC technician will have to install a drain line for the condensate and the piping for the combustion air. Installation of these components involves some structural changes to your house, and this translates to additional costs. However, this is a one-time installation fee that you will soon forget about especially given the many benefits of high-efficiency furnaces.
If you are looking for an HVAC contractor that offers high-efficiency furnace installation in Troutdale, Wolcott Services is a name you can trust. We offer numerous other HVAC services including, emergency furnace repair in Troutdale. Call us today for more details on the many services we offer. The number to call is (503) 420-8022.
