Will a New Furnace Installation Reduce Your Home’s Energy Costs?

Unlike wine, furnaces do not get better with age. Every furnace has a finite lifespan, and during that time, it’s going to become less efficient, even if you perform regular maintenance. 

This might lead you to believe that a new furnace installation is a foolproof way to reduce your energy costs. After all, if your old furnace is losing efficiency over time, won’t a new one automatically cut down your power bills? The answer depends on several factors.

When Will a New Furnace Lower Power Bills?

Here’s a look at the ways a new furnace can be the solution to your problems.

Your Current Furnace Is the Wrong Size

Furnaces and HVAC systems need to be the right size. If they’re too small, they’ll run forever in an attempt to maintain air temperature. If they’re too big, they’ll constantly cycle on and off. 

Your Current Furnace Is 15 Years Old

Give or take a few years, furnaces will only make it to their 15th birthdays — maybe their 20th if you’re lucky. Around this point, repairs will become so frequent that it will be more cost-effective to just buy a new unit. 

Also, the technological advancements over the last 15 years have been significant. Furnaces today are far more efficient than ever before, sometimes using close to half the energy of older units.

Your Furnace Installers Did a Poor Job

When searching for “furnace installation near me,” it can be tempting to go with the first option you see in the search results without conducting any further research. If you — or your home’s previous owners — did just that, the results can be dire. 

Maybe you didn’t look at reviews, or your installer didn’t have the right experience and training. Whatever the reason, a poor installation can be devastating to furnace efficiency. Whether the unit is starved of power due to faulty wiring, the ducts are leaky, or the return air drop is too small, you end up with a unit that doesn’t work as it should.

When Is a New Furnace Not the Solution?

Surprisingly, there will be times when a furnace installation won’t reduce energy costs.

Your “Old” Furnace Is Too New

If you’re trying to replace a furnace that’s only a year or two old, replacement may not help. Even if it’s not heating your home well, the issue likely lies elsewhere, such as with the thermostat setting or your home’s insulation. 

You’re Switching From Condensing to Non-Condensing

There are two main types of furnaces: condensing and non-condensing. Non-condensing furnaces expel exhaust gases through a flue pipe, which wastes fuel. These types of furnaces typically carry an 80% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. 

Non-condensing furnaces use a second heat exchanger to extract every last ounce of heat from the exhaust gases, raising the AFUE rating to between 90% and 98%. Even if you get a great deal on a non-condensing furnace (they tend to be the cheaper option), it will use up significantly more energy and eat into your power bills.

Reduce Energy Costs With a Furnace Installation From Steadfast Heating & Air 

If your furnace is at the end of its lifespan, was installed poorly, or is the wrong size for your home, turn to Steadfast Heating & Air. Our expert installation techs will work with you to satisfy your budget and comfort needs. Contact Steadfast Heating & Air today!