Regardless of how well-built a furnace is, it is not designed to last indefinitely. When a gas furnace reaches the age of 15 years, it’s time to consider replacing it. And if your furnace is more than 20 years old, it’s time to quit debating and just replace it.
How Do Newer Furnaces Improve Energy Efficiency?
There are several reasons to replace an older furnace, but the most prevalent is that a newer furnace will be more energy-efficient, converting more of its fuel source into thermal energy leading to minimal wastage. This isn’t merely because a newer furnace will have less wear and tear. To begin with, newer furnaces are more efficient since they are built with better technology. Whereas many previous furnaces had efficiency ratings (AFUE) of 60–80 percent, meaning they turned 60–80 percent of their energy source into heat, contemporary furnaces can achieve AFUEs of 97 percent or more.
The reality is that furnaces are just better manufactured now than they have ever been, with new materials making it easier to transmit heat from the heat exchangers to air. They’ve also switched from a standing pilot light, which consumes energy even when the furnace is turned off, to electronic ignition systems, which are not only more energy-efficient but also more reliable.
There are a few elements that go into the high-efficiency furnaces that are now on the market. The second heat exchanger found within condensing furnaces is one of them. The combustion gas vapor from the first heat exchanger is captured in the second heat exchanger, which would otherwise be vented outside and squandered. The vapor is condensed in the second exchanger, which extracts even more heat from it.
Rather than the earlier design known as an air combustion chamber, many modern furnaces have unique sealed combustion chambers. When the burners ignite, a sealed chamber loses less heat to the external environment. Furnaces with sealed combustion chambers are also safer and quieter to use.
Finally, many newer gas furnaces feature multi-stage burners and variable-speed blowers, so they don’t have to run at the same power level every time they’re turned on. Instead, furnaces adjust the burner and blower capacities to match the needs of their customers’ houses and save energy.
How Energy-Efficient Gas Furnaces Work
New furnaces can now achieve higher ratings thanks to a variety of innovations. The switch to electronic ignition systems is one of them. Even when the furnace wasn’t in use, the traditional standing pilot light was used to ignite the burners that devoured electricity throughout the season. When the furnace turns on, an electronic ignition system utilizes only a small amount of electricity, lowering the quantity of natural gas wasted for the pilot light.
Call Airtemp to learn more about these features or our furnace installation and repair services in Dallas. Don’t wait too long; switch to a newer furnace to save money on unwanted repairs and electricity bills. Additional information about our Carrier heating products can also be found on our website or you can give us a call at 214-766-3962.