Countless energy-saving gadgets are on the market, but upgrading to a condensing (high-efficient) gas furnace can slash bills the most.
Depending on the model, a condensing furnace operates up to 97% efficiency. This means that most all the fuel that goes into the system is successfully converted into usable, heated energy for the home. Since little energy is wasted, you get what you pay for each month in heating bills!
An old, conventional gas furnace wastes a lot of energy. At best, only 55% of the energy that powers the system actually gets used. Mid-efficient furnaces that operate between 78% - 85% efficiency are also available. They won’t lower energy bills as much as condensing units, but are more affordable upfront.
Condensing Gas Furnace Technologies
Enabling condensing furnaces to operate so efficiently are the following technologies:
- Secondary heat exchanger – extracts more energy from the fuel than less efficient furnaces equipped with only one heat exchanger. This is achieved by drawing heat from the combustion by-products before they are vented through a special plastic pipe that connects to the floor drain.
- Modulating gas valve – regulates the amount of gas that is supplied to the furnace, based on heating demand. Allowing the furnaces to fluctuate between 40% - 100% capacity, energy can be saved during mild weather when demand is low.
- Variable-speed fan blower – works in conjunction with the modulating gas valve, changing in speed according to the demand for heat. During mild weather, the fan operates at a low setting to save energy and eliminate uncomfortable blasts of heat and temperature swings, typical of conventional furnaces.
- ECM (electronically-commutated) motor – uses 75% less electricity than a standard motor, resulting in lower electricity consumption when the furnace is running.
Upgrading a conventional furnace to a condensing unit always proves a worthwhile investment. Substantial energy savings will occur immediately, readily recovering new furnace costs.
If you already have a mid-efficient furnace, energy savings will still occur but it will take much longer to recover costs, possibly fifteen to twenty years. An exact pay back period not only will depend on new furnace costs, but how much money will be saved due to the upgrade.
Final Thoughts
To keep energy bills at their lowest, install a programmable thermostat and set it for energy savings. As a rule of thumb, for every degree you consistently turn down the thermostat over an eight hour period, 2% of energy is saved.
Related Articles By Heidi Wagg:
- "The Importance of Properly Sizing a New Furnace"
- "Calculate the Payback Period on Furnaces"
- "Renovate Your Home for Optimal Energy Efficiency"
Heidi Wagg - For eight years, Heidi had the opportunity of working alongside skilled engineers and business professionals at an energy management ...
Join the Conversation