Fillmore, California, has one of the best average weather readings across the country in the winter months. However, residents here still need their furnaces to stay warm on some of the coldest days of the season and, especially at night. So, when your existing unit needs replacing, you’ll want to make sure you choose the perfect new system.
Efficiency is a big talking point these days, so every homeowner wants to choose an efficient unit when it’s time for a replacement. But are new furnaces more efficient? Should you just choose an older refurbished unit that can still do the job?
As the top choice for HVAC services in Fillmore, CA, we hear those questions quite a lot here at Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air. And we can tell you that new furnaces are more efficient than older units. How and why? We’ll cover all the details in this post.
How Are New Furnaces More Efficient for Fillmore, CA, Homeowners?
New furnaces are more efficient because they have a higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating than older units. This metric tracks how much of the natural gas the furnace converts into heating power. Older furnaces have AFUE ratings between 56% and 70%. Therefore, they waste around 30% to 44% of the gas they burn to keep your home warm.
Newer furnaces, on the other hand, have AFUE ratings of between 80% and 98.5%. High-efficiency units with the ENERGY STAR certification have an AFUE rating of 90% and above.
What does this mean for you? Essentially, high-efficiency furnaces can guarantee long-term cost savings. You’ll spend more to install one of these units in your Fillmore, CA, home, but you will recoup the costs quickly over time due to lower heating bills.
Other Benefits of Buying a Modern Furnace System
Beyond energy savings, there are other benefits to choosing a modern furnace system. These include the following:
Improved Home Comfort
Due to the advanced technology in new furnaces, they generally guarantee more consistent indoor temperatures. You’re less likely to experience temperature differences across various parts of your home.
Lower Environmental Impact
Older furnaces are wasteful, which means they contribute more carbon emissions overall. Switching to a high-efficiency furnace is a sure way to lower your carbon footprint.
Better Control
It’s easier to hook up modern furnaces to home automation infrastructure. They are likely to be compatible with modern smart thermostats and other home control setups.
Why Are New Furnaces More Efficient?
Modern furnaces are able to post such high AFUE ratings because they feature a slew of technological changes. Some of them include the following:
Lighter Heat Exchangers
The heat exchanger helps transfer the heat from the combustion chamber to the furnace’s air handler. The lighter construction of heat exchangers in modern furnaces allows them to absorb and dissipate more heat compared to the heavier types in older units.
Zero Need for a Standing Pilot Light
Modern furnace systems all feature electronic ignition systems instead of energy-wasting pilot lights. Pilot lights stay on round-the-clock, waiting to trigger the burners for combustion. That’s like running a gas-powered candle all through the day. An electric ignition system only kicks in when it’s necessary.
Sealed Combustion Chambers
Older furnaces draw air from the rest of the house because they have atmospheric combustion chambers. This means that a significant chunk of the heat they generate does not reach the ductwork.
Modern furnaces draw the air they need to run from the outside, reducing the possibility of losing extra heat. And since these systems don’t draw air from inside the house, you don’t have to worry about your furnace upsetting the balance of humidity in your home.
Two-Stage Heat Output and Variable Speed Fans
If you’re asking, “Are new furnaces more efficient?” then these features should clear up your doubts.
Older furnaces are either working at full tilt or not. This means they sometimes generate far too much heat for the weather.
Newer furnaces are more efficient because they have two distinct output levels: low and high. Their fans also have variable speeds. Combined, they help the furnace deliver just the right amount of heat without using too much energy.
Find the Perfect High-Efficiency Furnace for Your Home in Fillmore, CA
Are new furnaces more efficient? Yes! However, you still need to ensure the unit is the perfect match for your home.
When it’s time for your replacement, call Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air.
For further reading, here’s a post on how to identify furnace combustion chamber issues.