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High efficient furnace?

How different types of furnaces and HVAC configurations affect energy efficiency

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December 6, 2022
14
minute read

What is a high efficient furnace?

A high efficient furnace is a type of furnace that is designed to operate at a high level of efficiency, meaning that it uses less energy to produce the same amount of heat as a traditional furnace. This can lead to significant savings on energy bills, as well as a reduced environmental impact.

High efficient furnaces typically use a combination of advanced technologies and design features to improve their efficiency. For example, some high efficient furnaces use variable speed motors, which can adjust the speed of the blower according to the heating needs of the home. This can help to reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills.

Other high efficient furnaces use advanced combustion systems, which are able to extract more heat from the fuel being burned. This can also help to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall efficiency of the furnace.

Overall, a high efficient furnace is a good option for homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills and reduce their environmental impact. These furnaces are typically more expensive to purchase and install than traditional furnaces, but the long-term savings on energy bills can make them a worthwhile investment.

Even marginal improvements can up to huge savings over months and years.

Can I install a mid-efficient furnace?

It is not permitted to install a mid-efficient furnace in Canada because these types of furnaces do not meet the minimum efficiency standards set by the Canadian government.

In Canada, the minimum efficiency standards for furnaces are set by the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB). These standards specify the minimum level of energy efficiency that furnaces must meet in order to be installed in Canadian homes.

Instead, homeowners in Canada are required to install high efficient furnaces, which meet or exceed the minimum efficiency standards set by the NECB. These furnaces use advanced technologies and design features to improve their efficiency, and can help homeowners save money on their energy bills and reduce their environmental impact.

Upgrading from a mid efficient furnace, cost savings.

If you are currently using a mid efficient furnace that is 75% efficient and you upgrade to a high efficient furnace that is 98% efficient, you can expect to see significant savings on your monthly gas bill.

To calculate the potential cost savings of upgrading from a mid efficient furnace to a high efficient furnace, you will need to consider several factors, including the efficiency of your current furnace, the efficiency of the furnace you are upgrading to, the climate you live in, and the amount you currently pay for your monthly gas bill.

Assuming that you currently pay a gas bill of $100 per month, equalized, and that you live in a very cold climate where you use your furnace often, you can expect to see the following savings by upgrading to a high efficient furnace:

  • 75% efficient furnace: At a rate of $100 per month, your current furnace would cost you $1,200 per year to operate.
  • 98% efficient furnace: Based on the above rates, a high efficient furnace would cost you approximately $840 per year to operate.
  • Savings: By upgrading from a mid efficient furnace to a high efficient furnace, you could save approximately $360 per year on your gas bill.

Overall, by upgrading from a mid efficient furnace to a high efficient furnace, you can expect to see significant savings on your monthly gas bill. The exact amount you save will depend on factors such as the efficiency of your current furnace, the efficiency of the furnace you are upgrading to, the climate you live in, and the amount you currently pay for your monthly gas bill.

A frequently running fan is good for circulation, but a non-stop fan may be a sign the system is struggling to keep up and may need attention

The importance of your furnace fan:

Running your furnace fan frequently can provide several benefits, including improved air circulation, increased air filtration, and reduced hot and cold spots in your home.

First, running your furnace fan frequently can improve air circulation in your home. The fan in your furnace is designed to move air throughout your home, and by running it more frequently, you can increase the amount of air that is circulated. This can help to distribute heat more evenly throughout your home, reducing the number of hot and cold spots.

Second, running your furnace fan frequently can also improve air filtration in your home. Most furnaces are equipped with an air filter, which is designed to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air. By running the fan more frequently, you can increase the amount of air that is filtered, resulting in cleaner, healthier air in your home.

Third, running your furnace fan frequently can help to reduce hot and cold spots in your home. Hot and cold spots are typically caused by uneven air circulation, and by running the fan more frequently, you can help to distribute heat more evenly throughout your home, reducing the number of hot and cold spots.

Overall, the benefits of running your furnace fan frequently include improved air circulation, increased air filtration, and reduced hot and cold spots in your home. By running the fan more frequently, you can help to improve the comfort and air quality in your home.

New furnaces have high efficient motors

The operating costs of a furnace with an old belt-driven motor can be higher than the operating costs of a new furnace with an ECM (electronically commutated motor) for several reasons.

First, belt-driven motors are generally less efficient than ECM motors. This means that a furnace with a belt-driven motor will use more energy to produce the same amount of heat as a furnace with an ECM motor, resulting in higher operating costs.

Second, belt-driven motors require regular maintenance and replacement of the belt, which can add to the operating costs of the furnace. In contrast, ECM motors require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan, which can help to reduce operating costs.

Third, ECM motors are able to adjust their speed according to the heating needs of the home, which can help to save energy and reduce operating costs. In contrast, belt-driven motors operate at a fixed speed, which can result in higher energy consumption and operating costs.

Overall, the operating costs of a furnace with an old belt-driven motor can be higher than the operating costs of a new furnace with an ECM motor due to factors such as lower efficiency, higher maintenance requirements, and the inability to adjust speed. By upgrading to a new furnace with an ECM motor, homeowners can potentially save money on their energy bills and reduce their operating costs.

If a vent is hard to keep free of blockages, you might want to consider getting relocated.

Keep your venting clear!

In most scenarios, a high efficient gas furnace is vented to the side of your home with 2-3” white PVC tubing.  It is important to make sure these pipes are not blocked.  In the event these pipes become blocked, the safety mechanisms in your furnace will shut the furnace down and not allow it to operate.  To prevent debris from entering the venting system of a high efficient furnace, homeowners can take several steps, such as:

  • Regularly inspecting the venting system for signs of blockages or damage
  • Removing snow or ice from around the venting system
  • Hiring a professional to clean and maintain the venting system on a regular basis

5 Inch Air Filters

The benefits of using a 5" furnace filter as opposed to a 1" furnace filter include improved air flow, better air filtration, and longer filter life.

  • First, a 5" furnace filter has a larger surface area than a 1" furnace filter, which means that it can allow more air to pass through it without sacrificing air flow. This can be especially beneficial for homes with high air flow requirements, such as those with large, open floor plans or multiple heating and cooling zones.
  • Second, a 5" furnace filter is typically able to remove a wider range of particles and allergens from the air than a 1" furnace filter. This can help to improve the air quality in your home, reducing the presence of dust, pollen, and other allergens that can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
  • Third, because a 5" furnace filter has a larger surface area and is able to remove more particles and allergens from the air, it will typically last longer than a 1" furnace filter. This can save homeowners money on replacement filters, as well as reduce the amount of waste generated by disposing of used filters.

Overall, the benefits of using a 5" furnace filter as opposed to a 1" furnace filter include improved air flow, better air filtration, and longer filter life. These benefits can help to improve the air quality and comfort in your home, as well as save you money on replacement filters.

Rent or Buy?

Some of the benefits of renting a furnace from Sterling Plumbing & Heating as opposed to buying one include reduced upfront costs, no need for repairs or maintenance, and access to the latest technologies and features.

First, one of the main benefits of renting a furnace from Sterling Plumbing & Heating is that it can help to reduce upfront costs. When you rent a furnace from us you pay no installation fee and just begin paying your monthly fees, which can be significantly less expensive than the upfront cost of purchasing a furnace. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners who may not have the financial resources to make a large upfront investment in a furnace.

Second, another benefit of renting a furnace from Sterling Plumbing & Heating is that you are not responsible for repairs or maintenance. If your furnace experiences a problem or requires maintenance, we will handle the repairs and maintenance at no additional cost to you. This can save you time, money, and hassle, as you don’t have to worry about finding a reputable repair company or paying for costly repairs and maintenance.

Third, renting a furnace from Sterling Plumbing & Heating can also provide flexibility to upgrade to a newer model. We offer the option to upgrade to a newer furnace after a certain period of time, which can be a cost-effective way to enjoy the latest technologies and features without having to make a large upfront investment.

Overall, the benefits of renting a furnace from Sterling Plumbing & Heating as opposed to buying one include reduced upfront costs, no need for repairs or maintenance, and the option to upgrade to a newer model. These benefits can be especially appealing to homeowners who want to save money and avoid the hassle of dealing with repairs and maintenance.

A Modulating Furnace vs A Single Stage Furnace

The benefits of a modulating furnace over a single stage furnace include improved efficiency, better temperature control, and quieter operation.

First, one of the main benefits of a modulating furnace is that it is more efficient than a single stage furnace. A modulating furnace is able to adjust the output of heat according to the heating needs of the home, which means that it only uses the amount of energy that is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can help to save energy and reduce heating costs, as compared to a single stage furnace, which operates at a fixed output and may use more energy than is necessary.

Second, another benefit of a modulating furnace is that it provides better temperature control. Because a modulating furnace can adjust the output of heat according to the heating needs of the home, it is able to maintain a more consistent and comfortable temperature. In contrast, a single stage furnace is not able to adjust its output, and may result in fluctuating temperatures and hot and cold spots in the home.

Third, a modulating furnace is also typically quieter than a single stage furnace. Because a modulating furnace can operate at a lower output, it generates less noise than a single stage furnace, which can be especially beneficial for homeowners who are sensitive to noise.

Overall, the benefits of a modulating furnace over a single stage furnace include improved efficiency, better temperature control, and quieter operation. These benefits can help to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

Learn more about furnaces.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a type of thermostat that uses advanced technology to provide advanced heating and cooling control for your home. Unlike traditional thermostats, which require manual adjustments, a smart thermostat is able to learn your heating and cooling preferences and automatically adjust the temperature to provide optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

A smart thermostat typically uses sensors, algorithms, and internet connectivity to monitor and control the temperature in your home. The thermostat is able to learn your heating and cooling preferences over time, and it can automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule and the weather outside.

For example, if you typically set the thermostat to a lower temperature at night when you go to bed, the smart thermostat will learn this preference and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly. Similarly, if the weather outside is particularly cold or hot, the smart thermostat can adjust the temperature to compensate and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

In addition to automatic temperature control, a smart thermostat can also provide additional features and benefits, such as remote access, energy usage tracking, and compatibility with smart home devices. For example, you can use a smartphone app to control the thermostat and monitor energy usage from anywhere, and you can integrate the thermostat with other smart home devices, such as smart lights or security cameras.

Overall, a smart thermostat is a type of advanced thermostat that uses technology to provide automatic temperature control and additional features and benefits. By using a smart thermostat, you can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

Our Warranty

When you purchase a high efficient furnace from Sterling Plumbing & Heating, you will receive a full 10 year parts and labour warranty, which provides several benefits and protections for your investment.

First, the 10 year parts and labour warranty provides peace of mind and protection against costly repairs and maintenance. If your furnace experiences any problems or malfunctions during the warranty period, Sterling Plumbing & Heating will cover the cost of repairs and labour, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses.

Second, the 10 year parts and labour warranty also provides assurance of the quality and reliability of your furnace. By offering a full 10 year warranty, Sterling Plumbing & Heating is standing behind the quality and performance of the furnace, and demonstrating confidence in its ability to provide reliable heating for your home for many years to come.

Third, the 10 year parts and labour warranty can also save you money on your energy bills. A high efficient furnace is designed to save energy and reduce heating costs, and with a full 10 year warranty, you can have confidence in the furnace’s ability to provide efficient and cost-effective heating for your home.

Overall, the benefits of receiving a full 10 year parts and labour warranty when you purchase a high efficient furnace from Sterling Plumbing & Heating include peace of mind, protection against costly repairs and maintenance, assurance of quality and reliability, and potential savings on your energy bills. By choosing Sterling Plumbing & Heating for your furnace purchase, you can enjoy these benefits and the confidence that comes with a long-term warranty.

What Brands do you carry?

At Sterling Plumbing & Heating, we carry and install all major brands of furnaces. This means that no matter what brand of furnace you are looking for, we can help you find the right one for your home and budget.

Some of the brands of furnaces that we carry and install include:

  • York: York furnaces are known for their durability and reliability, and offer a range of models that are designed to meet the needs of different homes and budgets.
  • Goodman: Trane furnaces are known for their reliability and durability, and offer a range of models to suit different needs and budgets.
  • Lennox: Lennox furnaces are known for their advanced technology and features, and are a popular choice for homeowners looking for high-performance and energy-efficient furnaces.
  • Carrier: Carrier is a well-known and trusted brand of furnaces, and offers a wide range of high-efficiency and energy-saving models.Carrier: Carrier is a well-known and trusted brand of furnaces, and offers a wide range of high-efficiency and energy-saving models.
  • Bryant: Bryant furnaces are known for their high-performance and energy-efficient designs, and are a popular choice for homeowners looking to save on their energy bills.

Overall, at Sterling Plumbing & Heating, we carry and install all major brands of furnaces, and can help you find the right furnace for your home and budget. Whether you are looking for a high-efficiency, energy-saving furnace, a reliable and durable furnace, or a furnace with advanced features, we can help you find the perfect fit for your home and your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our furnace brands and options!

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