If your heating bills are on the rise, now may be a good time to consider replacing your furnace with a new, more energy-efficient model. A new furnace might be just the ticket to reducing fuel bills. New models have much to offer, including increased comfort and decreased noise.

Even if your older furnace still runs well, you may want to consider replacing it from an economic standpoint. With the proper selection, your heating and air conditioning bills can be reduced. The savings over the long run should be impressive enough to justify replacing your current furnace sooner rather than later.

There are two basic designs of furnaces: condensing and non-condensing, which refers to the type of heat exchanger used. The condensing model is most efficient and may be the best choice for more homeowners. The efficiency of condensing models ranges from about 90 to 95 percent. A computerized thermostat should be installed. Combined with the electronic controls in the new furnace, it will maintain even room temperatures.

The new models are highly efficient with so little heat lost in the flue gases that a chimney is no longer necessary. The gases are exchanged by a two-inch-diameter plastic pipe that runs through an exterior wall to the outdoors. There is no need for a chimney liner, so a condensing furnace is often cheaper to install than a less efficient model.  

Some new models also offer sealed combustion, which increases efficiency. The combustion air is drawn in from the outdoors through another plastic pipe instead of being drawn from within the house. There are fewer indoor drafts, less noise and less chance for hazardous back-drafting.  

A two-stage heat output furnace with a variable speed blower costs more initially but offers the ultimate in comfort and efficiency. This type of blower is also the best for central air conditioning as well. In all but the coldest weather, the gas burners operate at a low heat level, which allows the furnace to burn continuously with fewer on/off cycles. The blower runs more slowly and more quietly at the low level. During periods of very cold weather, it automatically switches to high heat.

In addition to lower utility bills, the quiet operation and comfort of a new heating system will most likely impress you. If you have a furnace that's more than 17 years old, it likely runs at about 60 percent efficiency. A new, energy efficient furnace can cut utility bills by 40 percent. A little simple math will determine your annual savings. Contact your HVAC contractor for information about the best system for your home and to request a free estimate.


Copyright 2008 PropertySource Network