Although older furnaces had efficiencies ranging from 56 percent to 70 percent, a modern conventional heating system can achieve efficiency as high as 98.5 percent, according to the Department of Energy.
Furnace replacement or an energy-efficient upgrade could cut your furnace’s pollution output and your fuel bills in half. Increasing efficiency from 56 to 90 percent in a cold-climate home saves 1½ tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year if you use gas. If you use oil, this number jumps to 2.5 tons.
If your furnace is worn out, inefficient, old, or oversized, the best solution is to replace it with a high-efficiency system. Old coal burners that were changed to gas or oil are prime candidates for furnace replacement, as are gas furnaces that have pilot lights instead of electronic ignitions. A new system may be more efficient, but it still might be oversized – in which case, it may be possible to modify it to lower the operating capacity.
Before going ahead with furnace replacement, have a professional heating and cooling contractor size your furnace. You may be able to save money by buying a smaller unit, thanks to energy-efficiency improvements on modern models. A correctly sized furnace will operate at optimal efficiency.
The Department of Energy says you should look for the Energy Star label on your new furnace. In colder climates, it makes sense to invest in a system with the highest efficiency rating. Be sure to choose a reliable unit and carefully compare the warranties of the various models before making a final decision.
If you are in need of furnace replacement in Mooresville NC, contact us at Cool Comfort Heating & Air. We offer quality HVAC services at fair prices to homes and businesses. Call us today for a free quote!
