Gas furnaces are the most popular type of heating system throughout America. They’re used in Plano, TX, homes, and houses all over the country. However, gas furnaces haven’t always been energy-efficient.
Gas furnaces all have AFUE ratings or “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency” ratings. These ratings showcase the energy efficiency of the unit.
The average rating was between 56% and 70% in previous years. These numbers mean that the furnace would essentially waste the remainder of their fuel source, so about 30%-44%. Most of the fuel source is lost as exhaust out of the flue or from a heat bleed in the combustion chamber.
However, nowadays, gas furnaces are more efficient than ever. Modern options can have an AFUE rating from 80% to a whopping 98.5%.
This rating means modern furnaces may only end up wasting less than 2% of their fuel supply in some cases. These days, to earn an ENERGY STAR rating, natural gas furnaces must have an AFUE of at least 90%.
A failing furnace may have you searching the internet for things like “furnace repair near me.” However, if your furnace is over ten years old or if you’ve needed frequent repairs, it may be time to upgrade your heating system.
A new energy-efficient furnace could be the perfect option, as it will not only heat your Plano, TX, home, but it could save you money on your monthly energy bills as well.
Advancements in Gas Furnaces that Create High Efficiency
Gas furnaces are now not only a great way to heat your home quickly, but they can also be an incredibly energy-efficient heating option. If you’re considering a furnace replacement for your home, a new gas furnace should be one of your top contenders.
There are many new technologies that have contributed to these highly-efficient gas furnaces, including:
Eclectic Ignitions
Many modern furnaces feature electronic ignitions instead of pilot lights, and this is one of the ways they preserve energy. Pilot lights need to stay constantly lit, which means they are always using gas throughout the heating season. Because the pilot light is always on, it is constantly draining fuel.
However, new furnaces use electronic ignitions, which only come on when needed. This approach eliminates a major power drain on your furnace, saving energy and money in the process. Additionally, electronic ignitions are more reliable, so you’ll gain more peace of mind with this new advancement as well.
Condensing Technology
The most energy-efficient furnaces score AFUE ratings of 98.5%, and they’re known as “condensing furnaces.” These furnaces feature a second heat exchanger that removes the exhaust vapor from the first one and condenses it. This condensed vapor can then be released as even more heat for your home.
As you can see, a condensing furnace makes the most out of the available heating power. In fact, they squeeze the highest amount of heating power from the fuel supply compared with any other gas furnace on the market.
Sealed Combustion Chambers
Many older furnaces have open combustion chambers. These chambers lay wide open to the rest of the house, so they naturally lose heat from the burners as it escapes. However, modern, energy-efficient furnaces often feature sealed combustion chambers that prevent this from happening.
Air currents are still required for combustion in these sealed chamber furnaces, which is made possible through a PVC pipe that runs outdoors. Sealed combustion furnaces also offer other benefits. For example, they’ll help keep your home from becoming too dry while your furnace is in use.
Replacing Your Old Furnace
If you have a failing furnace in your home, you’re probably looking for repair options, and you might even be conducting frantic internet searches like “furnace repair near me.” However, repairing your furnace may not be the right option.
Furnace repairs are effective, but over time, they add up. Not only are repairs expensive, but older furnaces are simply not as efficient as new ones, so you’re probably wasting money each month on your energy bill as well.
Upgrading to a new energy-efficient furnace could save you money each month, and you also won’t have to keep shelling out money for repairs.
If you’re looking for a furnace replacement, newer gas furnaces should be at the top of the list. However, keep in mind that even though these new furnaces are very efficient, they will still need annual furnace tune-ups to keep working smoothly over the years.
During your furnace tune-up appointment, a professional will clean the internal components and lubricate moving parts. They’ll also replace your air filters if necessary to keep your heating system running smoothly and to decrease the number of pollutants in your home.
Annual furnace tune-ups are an essential part of supporting your furnace throughout its lifespan. Without tune-ups, small issues can become major problems, so you may need frequent and expensive repairs or a preemptive furnace replacement.
Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning for Your Plano, TX, Furnace Needs
At Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we proudly offer expert furnace installation services, as well as furnace repairs and tune-ups. We also feature top-of-the-line energy-efficient furnaces at the best prices, and we even offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions about your new furnace. We’re happy to provide you with all of the necessary information you need to pick the perfect heating system for your home. When you’re ready, we’ll complete your new furnace installation quickly and efficiently, leaving you to enjoy your home in comfort.
You can also rely on our trusted furnace repair services if anything goes wrong, and you won’t need to waste time searching for “furnace repair near me.” Instead, just pick up the phone and give us a call. We offer quick scheduling, so even if you need emergency repairs, we can handle your job in the time needed to get you back on track.
Trust the experts when it comes to your furnace repair, and rely on your friends in the business. Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning is here for all of your Plano, TX, heating system needs, large or small.