The most efficient Furnace you can buy is a 98% modulating variable speed furnace.
Electric furnace vs gas furnace
An energy-efficient gas furnace typically boasts higher efficiency ratings than an electric model and is likely to be more cost-effective to operate, especially in regions with lower natural gas prices.
On average, heating your home with a gas furnace will cost around 2.5 times less than using an electric furnace. This is because gas furnaces use less energy and also because natural gas is normally quite a bit cheaper than electricity.
How many square feet will an 80000 BTU furnace heat? A furnace with 80,000 BTU capacity can effectively warm up a typical home measuring 2,000 square feet.
In our expert opinion, if you are planning to live in your home for 5+ years, the 95% furnace is the clear winner, as you may already recoup savings in energy costs within the first 3-5 years of operation that offset a higher purchase price.
Downsides of a High-Efficiency Furnace
High Equipment Cost: One of the most significant drawbacks of a high-efficiency furnace is its upfront cost. These units cost at least 30-40% more than a standard-efficiency furnace. However, it is essential to remember that these units accrue significant savings in the long run.
The more efficiently the furnace burns, the higher the AFUE. The higher the AFUE, the less money you have to spend to keep your house cozy all winter long. Which is definitely a good thing. And, FYI, a 96% AFUE gas furnace is about the best you can find.
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.
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.
This shows natural gas is the cheapest type of heating to run and heating oil is the most expensive way to heat a home.
Government Programs: Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):This federal program assists low-income families and individuals with weatherization measures,including furnace replacement.
Natural Gas Furnace
A gas furnace is the least expensive to operate run and costs $5,000 to $7,000+ to purchase upfront, depending on efficiency.
Quiet Comfort: Carrier furnaces offer peace and quiet by utilizing variable-speed blower motors and fully insulated cabinets. This means you can enjoy a warm home without hearing your furnace running in the background.
Labor: Typical labor costs can range from $50 - $100 per hour for a licensed technician. Each additional team member will be an additional charge. Depending upon the complexity of the job, a new furnace installation can take 10-15 hours!
The most efficient Furnace you can buy is a 98% modulating variable speed furnace. Almost every manufacturer has a variation of this type of furnace.
Identifying the Priciest Component: The Heat Exchanger
Due to its complex role, a failure or crack in the heat exchanger can lead to serious issues, including dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. This makes furnace repair essential to maintain safety and functionality.
This can lead to a wide range of installation costs. The national average cost for installing a gas furnace in a 2,000 sq. ft. home is $4,000 to $8,000, with most people paying around $6,000 for a high-efficiency gas furnace installed with minor modifications to update the vent and drain.
Can I put a bigger blower motor in my furnace so it will perform better? While upgrading blower motor sizes is possible, you might not need to install a replacement motor at all. Sometimes a simple repair is all you need to get your furnace fully functional again.
A high efficiency gas furnace has AFUE ratings of 90% or higher, up to a maximum of 98.5% AFUE. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and is a measure of how much heat the furnace can pull from the fuel it consumes, ultimately determining how energy efficient a heating and cooling system is.
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.
Cons. Two stage furnaces are generally a solid choice for most homeowners, but they cost more than single stage. They also will require a new thermostat if you are transitioning from a single stage furnace in order to control the additional low-to-high fan options being added to your home.
Replacing a 20-year-old gas furnace is typically a wise investment. In a country with diverse climates and heating needs, the benefits of a modern, energy-efficient furnace are manifold.