Do newer furnaces use less gas?

Author: Zack Erdman  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Older furnaces have an AFUE of 56 percent to 70 percent, meaning that 30 to 44 percent of the natural gas is wasted when heat escapes the combustion chamber and exhaust escapes the chimney. On the other hand, new furnaces might have AFUE's ranging from 80 to 98.5 percent.

Will a new furnace reduce my gas bill?

One of the main ways that energy-efficient furnaces save you money is by reducing your monthly utility bills. Older furnaces tend to be less efficient, meaning they consume more energy to produce the same amount of heat. This translates to higher energy bills month after month.

Are furnaces more efficient now than 20 years ago?

Technological advancements have made newer furnaces much more energy-efficient. If your furnace is 20 years old, it's likely operating with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating significantly lower than modern models.

Is it worth replacing a 20 year old furnace?

Older furnaces need annual check ups. Main thing is the heat exchanger getting a crack, which could lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisioning. 20 years is a good time to start considering a new one but not essential, if the tech that comes to clean the burners sees an issue they will point it out to you.

Does an old furnace use more gas?

Older furnaces were not designed with energy efficiency in mind, which means they consume more fuel to produce the same amount of heat. Whether your furnace runs on natural gas, oil, or electricity, an inefficient furnace will result in increased fuel consumption and, consequently, higher utility bills.

Don't Buy a High Efficiency Furnace!

Are newer gas furnaces more efficient?

Construction has been improved: Today's furnaces are better constructed, with lighter materials and more energy-efficient engines.

Can an old furnace cause high gas bill?

Aging Systems Can Lead to Higher Gas Bills

As heating systems like furnaces, boilers, or water heaters age, older systems lose efficiency and work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which means they consume more gas. This is especially true if your furnace or water heater is nearing the end of its life.

Do furnaces get less efficient as they age?

The average furnace is built to last around 15 years in total before being replaced. This is because over time, much like any electrical or mechanical system, your furnace will become less efficient and may break down.

What time of year is cheapest to replace furnace?

For people taking a proactive approach, doing a furnace replacement during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and autumn may offer lower prices, shorter lead times, and a better selection of products and service appointment availability.

Is it better to undersize or oversize a furnace?

Even a slightly undersized furnace will accomplish the job the majority of the time. Taking things down a few sizes will more than likely solve some of your common heating problems like too high of a utility bill while half of your house is blazing and the other half is an icebox.

Should I replace my 23 year old furnace?

The older your furnace is, the higher the likelihood of it breaking down. To avoid the cost of repairs or furnace replacement when you least expect it, you should be proactive and consider replacing it as soon as possible.

Will a new furnace make my house warmer?

Furnaces today can heat your home much more evenly and efficiently than older furnaces. One way that they have been able to achieve these improvements is by blowing more air over the heat exchanger.

What is the typical lifespan of a furnace?

The Average Furnace Lifespan

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

How can I reduce my gas heating bill?

Tips for Saving on Your Natural Gas Bill
  1. Turn Down Your Thermostat. You can save as much as 3% for each degree that you turn your thermostat down during the winter. ...
  2. Take Care of Your Furnace. ...
  3. Let the Heat Circulate. ...
  4. Keep the Cold Out. ...
  5. Cook Smart. ...
  6. Turn Down the Tank. ...
  7. Think Before You Wash and Dry Clothes.

How much should I expect to spend on a new furnace?

Electric furnace installation tends to be the least expensive, ranging between $3,000 and $7,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Installing a natural gas furnace falls in the range of $3,800 to $10,000, and an oil furnace ranges $6,750 to $10,0000.

Should I change my gas furnace to electric?

Electric heating systems often boast higher energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills. Compared to using a gas furnace, a heat pump can lower your energy costs by at least 50%. Pollutants released when a gas furnace is turned on can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms and cause respiratory problems.

Is it worth fixing a 20 year old furnace?

Repair: If your furnace system is less than 15 years old and the cost of repair is less than half the cost of replacement. Replace: If your furnace system is more than 15 years old and requires a costly repair to maintain efficiency.

Do newer furnaces run more often?

You may wonder, “Do high-efficiency furnaces run more often?” when you compare them to older furnaces. Depending on the type of furnace in your home, a high-efficiency furnace may run more often, but that doesn't mean it costs more money to operate.

How much does it cost to replace just a furnace?

A new furnace costs $4,799 on average, but the final total for parts and labor will depend on type of furnace, size of your home, and other factors, like efficiency and brand. Rates may range from $150 to $13,100.

Are newer furnaces more efficient?

Bear in mind that the majority of heating contractors will offer to replace your old heating unit, instead of installing a new one from scratch. What makes new furnace installs better is that they increase energy efficiency to a great extent.

Is it better to keep the furnace at a constant temperature?

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.

Is it cheaper to replace furnace in summer?

You will save a lot of money.

The cost of many heating units can be lower in the summer because they are not in high demand. Also, many manufacturers offer additional rebates and discounts for purchasing new heating systems in the warmer months so they can move their inventory.

Why is my gas usage suddenly so high?

If your monthly bill rises suddenly for no clear reason, especially in the summer, the cause could be a natural gas leak. Gas leaks may be the result of poorly maintained gas appliances, low-grade pipe fittings, a new gas appliance that's faulty or was improperly installed, or an outdoor leak due to a line break.

What uses the most gas in a home?

What Uses The Most Gas in a House? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the majority of natural gas used in homes is for space heating, which includes both air and water. But whether homes use natural gas or not depends on the type of water heater and central heating system it has.

Does a new furnace affect the electric bill?

Different heating systems are going to impact different energy bills. If you have a heat pump, it's going to increase your electricity bill, whereas if you have a gas furnace, it's going to impact your gas bill. The type of system can also determine how energy efficient it is.

Previous article
What is in rooting powder that encourages the growth of roots?
Next article
How do you fix a tripping safety switch?