What to know about High-Efficiency Furnaces in Maryland

Does your furnace need to be replaced and are you considering whether a high-efficiency furnace is right for you? You likely have questions and are wondering if it’s worth the money to get one. We often get a number of questions about this topic. Many of those questions are around the reliability and cost-saving benefits of owning a high-efficiency furnace.

As your trusted Maryland HVAC provider, we will answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision. 

If you have additional questions or you live in the Maryland area and need a replacement or installation of a new furnace then give us a call. 

What is a high-efficiency furnace and is it worth it?

All furnaces are measured by the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). A high-efficiency furnace is any furnace that has a 90% AFUE or above. These furnaces tout monthly savings on heating costs for homeowners but as newer high-efficiency furnaces tend to cost a little bit more people wonder if the extra money spent is worth it. 

There are several reasons why people are considering high-efficiency furnaces:

• Readily available
• Cost-efficient
• Available rebates
• Better indoor air quality

A high-efficiency furnace is going to offer better air quality, help to reduce your heating costs and is better for the environment. And, because of the ongoing energy efficiency initiatives, there are often large rebates available for new furnace installations.

For many, purchasing a new high-efficiency furnace just makes sense. 

Which is better 80% or 90% furnace?

You may have heard a furnace referred to as an 80% or 90% furnace. This is a reference to the AFUE we mentioned earlier. The AFUE  is a standard rating that indicates how efficiently a furnace uses energy. In case you weren’t aware, not all of the energy used by your furnace goes into heating your home. The AFUE determines how much energy is used heating and how much is wasted. 

For example, a 90% furnace wastes 10% of its energy while an 80% furnace will waste 20% of its energy. 

Think about it this way. When you spend $1 to heat your home with an 80% furnace, 80 cents goes into heating your home while 20 cents is vented out of the home. 

When it comes to energy efficiency, the 90% furnace is better, but keep in mind that they also tend to cost a bit more than an 80% furnace. So the best option really differs from person to person. 

How long will a high-efficiency furnace last?

One important purchasing question when considering something like a furnace is its longevity. When determining the cost benefits you must think about it over the equipment’s lifetime. 

A new furnace should last you about 15-20 years if it is well-maintained. With care (and a little luck) a furnace may last even longer. The longevity of a furnace will however depend upon a number of factors.

• How well the furnace is maintained
• If it is properly sized (an HVAC system that is too small may wear out quicker as it tries to keep up)
• If the HVAC systems and ductwork have been properly installed

Proper care such as changing the filter and annual maintenance will help extend the life of your investment. 

When deciding what type of furnace is right, take into consideration the monthly heating costs over the next several years. 

Finding the most reliable furnace brand for high-efficiency furnaces

There are many reputable HVAC brands that offer reliable and efficient furnaces. You can have confidence in buying from most well-known HVAC manufacturers. Each brand will have its own pros and cons. Your go-to HVAC company likely has a brand they favor but if you are looking for yourself there are a few different factors you can compare.

• Energy efficiency (AFUE ratings)
• Costs
• Warranty information

Our HVAC company offers Carrier products which are #1 in high-efficiency systems. Carrier is a company that has the industry’s leading technology giving us confidence that we are installing reliable and efficient products.

Have more questions?

Smart decisions come from having the right information. So, if you have a question, then ask the experts. We can help you purchase the right unit for your home or business so that you can stay warm without breaking the bank.