Saving money is one of the most key aspects that need to be taken care of by a homeowner. Therefore, for a resident in Richmond Hill, where winters are harsh and freezing, it becomes difficult to decide whether investing in a high-efficiency furnace is worth it. After all, furnace replacement in Richmond Hill can prove to be costly.
However, if you consider the pros and cons of high-efficiency furnaces, it can help you in making the right decision not only for yourself but also for your family. Let us discuss the advantages and disadvantages of high-efficiency furnaces in brief.
Benefits of High-Efficiency Furnaces
Following are the benefits of high-efficiency furnaces –
- Lower Utility Bills
The most important property of a high-efficiency furnace is its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE which indicates the total amount of fuel converted into energy. For example, for a furnace with an AFUE of 85 percent, it represents that 85 cents of every Canadian Dollar spent are used, while the rest 20 cents are wasted on account of energy loss.
Older furnaces have a significantly lower AFUE ranging between 58-70. High-efficiency furnaces provide an AFUE of approximately 95 percent, thus offering a considerable saving on utility bills.
- Smooth Operation and Better Performance
Multiple stages in a high-efficiency furnace enable it to operate at speeds required to adjust to the desired temperature. Variable speeds cancel out the necessity of a furnace to run at full speed, allowing smoother operation. Operating at lower stages also makes them relatively quieter. Additionally, variable speeds increase the system lifespan, so that you don’t need to schedule HVAC repair in Richmond Hill as often.
However, the greatest benefit of high-efficiency furnaces is their comfort. The flexible speeds offer optimum temperatures and lower the risk of short-cycling problems.
- Good for the Environment
While it is true that one action cannot save the environment, little things like investing in a high-efficiency furnace can go a long way in benefitting the environment. That is because better efficiency of your equipment leads to better energy conservation.
Drawbacks of High-Efficiency Furnaces
Despite all the benefits of high-efficiency furnaces listed above, two considerations are worth noting.
- Need of Dedicated Exhaust Pipe
When your furnace is located in a vented area, there is no potential harm on account of the gases produced by combustion. However, a furnace located in closed spaces poses additional risks of open combustion. For such cases, your HVAC technician will install a dedicated exhaust pipe to transfer the combustion air. However, the dedicated exhaust pipe in high-efficiency furnaces makes them comparatively safer.
- Cost
High-efficiency furnaces require more labor costs as compared to regular furnaces because of the addition of the exhaust pipe. The slight increase in labor cost can impact the budget set by a homeowner. However, the construction process is straightforward and not time-consuming.
We hope you now have some clarity on whether a high-efficiency furnace is worth your investment or not. There are a lot of factors involved in the decision. We recommend that you take your time in concluding whether you should go for a furnace replacement in Richmond Hill.
Universal Heating & Cooling offers 24/7 emergency services for your heating and cooling systems in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Equipped with over 15 years of experience in HVAC, we serve all your residential and light commercial needs in the Toronto area. To schedule an appointment for furnace replacement in Richmond Hill, call us at (905)-508-2711.
