Condensing Gas Furnaces

                                                          


Condensing gas furnaces are the highest efficiency furnaces presently on the market. If you are building a new home or replacing the old furnace in your present house these high efficiency natural gas furnaces are your wisest choice. They are simply the best  furnace to use in all homes with natural gas heating.

The reason for choosing a condensing gas furnace is mainly because of  the extremely high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilisation Efficiency) which runs  from 90 to as much as 97 percent (in some cases a little higher). Old furnaces made in past decades will be found to have AFUEs of 60 percent or even less and medium efficiency  gas furnaces made at present have AFUEs of 78 to 84 percent.

It is easy to see that a high efficiency natural gas furnace will consume as much as 20% less fuel in normal operation. This results in a substantial saving in fuel costs which over a relatively short period of time will pay for the somewhat higher initial price of the more efficient furnace. On average a medium efficiency gas furnace costs about $1000 less than a high efficiency model.

Modern condensing gas furnaces use, approximately 33 to 40 percent less fuel than old furnaces and 10 to 20 percent less than medium efficiency units made at present. This not only reduces fuel bills substantially but as a bonus also cuts down drastically on  toxic environmental emissions which are thought to be at least partially responsible for environmental pollution and climate change.

The somewhat higher cost of purchasing a new condensing gas furnace will easily be recovered, in a relatively short period of time, through fuel savings.The savings will then go directly into the pocket of the consumer throughout the life of the appliance. An average homeowner with an old model furnace might save $300 a year, or even more, by installing a 97% efficiency condensing gas furnace.

Condensing gas furnaces are made in a variety of sizes to suit any type of home. They new furnace can usually be placed in the same spot as the old furnace it is replacing, and will typically use the same heat  duct-work. All furnaces must of course be installed by licensed gas installation technicians. It is very unwise to have an unlicensed do it your-selfer install your furnace. In many places it is illegal to do so, and could also result in your insurance company refusing to pay claims if there is a fire. For more information about condensing gas furnaces click here

                                                                 

Energy Efficiency And High Efficiency Furnaces

                                                                 


High efficiency furnaces are all about energy efficiency. The most energy efficient way to heat your home, and at the same time to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions which may be partly responsible for climate change. The more efficient your furnace or heating system is the less fuel it will consume to heat your home.
The following material about energy efficient home heating is quoted directly from Mother Earth News:

Energy-Efficient, Renewable and Alternative Home Heating Options


The Mother Earth News Archive contains over 35 years worth of great articles to help you save money on energy bills, heat and cool your home more efficiently and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. Now more than ever, the rising costs of electricity and natural gas are inciting people to consider these alternatives. You'll find information here on earth-sheltered and passive solar home design; geothermal heat pumps; insulating your home efficiently; using solar-energy collecting devices as heat sources; tapping renewable sources of energy, such as wood and biodiesel; and choosing back-up generators and other emergency heating options.

This special collection of articles will help you save money and energy this winter!

Do-It-Yourself Solar Heat

The sun's energy can be captured by homemade solar hot-air collectors and thermosiphoning panels to provide free heat. The units direct air warmed by the sun through a window or wall opening into the adjoining room.

If you're serious about cutting your home heating bills this winter, one of our inexpensive, do-it-yourself projects will help.

Passive Solar Home Design

Millions of homes easily could be designed to capture free heat directly from the sun. But instead we are burning — wasting — huge amounts of oil and natural gas every winter. You can incorporate passive-solar heating in any style home. Or you can add solar features when remodeling an existing home, as long as the south side of the house receives full sun most of the day.



Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/energy-efficient-heating-cooling.aspx#ixzz1g4bqJPkatly designed, solar homes provide unrivaled comfort in winter and summer. They offer large, south-facing windows, generous views, sunny interiors and open floor plans.

These articles from the Mother Earth News Archive will show you how to build or remodel a home to take advantage of passive solar principles.

Earth-sheltered Houses

Earth-sheltered homes fit a wide range of climates and a variety of building sites, providing energy-efficient, weather-proof shelter. Earth-bermed structures can drastically cut your energy costs by taking advantage of the constancy of the Earth's temperature and thermal mass. In addition, earth-sheltered homes also are protected from heat-robbing winter winds and the scorching summer sun. Paired with passive-solar design, an earth-sheltered home can save you tens of thousands of dollars in fuel bills during your lifetime.

This collection of articles from the Mother Earth News Archive will inspire you to build your dream Earth home.

Renewable Heating Fuels

By conserving energy use and taking advantage of renewable sources of heating fuel, you can reduce your need for fossil fuels significantly. Some of these renewable resources include wood and biodiesel, which can be made from animal fats and plant oils such as soy, canola, sunflower and corn.

You'll find plenty of helpful information in these articles to get you started on a path to fuel independence.

The above material is quoted directly from Mother Earth News

There are lots of ways to slash your energy costs. Here are several articles filled with ideas for money- and energy-saving home improvements, and tips for emergency preparedness during the winter months.

High efficiency furnaces are one of the best ways to cut down on fuel bills by using less fuel to heat your home. As seen above there are a number of other ways which can be taken to achieve energy efficiency. All homeowners should seriously consider installing a high efficiency furnace when the time comes to replace an older furnace.
See our website for more information gas furnace prices and also high efficiency furnaces

The Anatomy Of A High Efficiency Furnace

                                                                   

High efficiency gas furnaces are very popular for use in areas of long winters and colder climate. They do cost more than mid efficiency units but the greater saving in fuel costs will fairly quickly pay for the extra cost. In areas of warmenr climate and shorter winters the payout will take longer and the higherpurchase cost may not be justified. The other factor to be considered of course is that high efficiency furnaces vent much less pollution into the environment. If you are concerned about this the extra cost may be worthwhile to you.What are the main high efficiency furnaces
features that make it more costly? The following expanation is quoted from About.com

In the tutorial Gas Furnace Types and Efficiency Ratings I describe the two main types of gas furnaces in the home, the conventional furnace and the newer high efficiency condensing furnace. The technologies used in these furnaces directly impact their AFUE efficiency rating. Only condensing furnace technology achieves the highest efficiency ratings of over 90% AFUE, with some furnaces reaching over 98% AFUE.
AFUE is an acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and is the metric used to measure furnace efficiency. It is simply a ratio between the amount of fuel converted to heat and the amount of fuel which enters the furnace. The higher the AFUE the more efficient the furnace.


The condensing furnace is so efficient and extracts so much heat from the combustion process that its exhaust vent / flue is just warm to the touch, not “burn your fingers hot” like a conventional furnace.


So what makes the conventional furnace and condensing furnace so different, and how does the condensing furnace work? Well, that’s what I’ll explain in this tutorial called Anatomy of a High Efficiency Condensing Furnace. In this tutorial you’ll learn the following about a condensing furnace and its components:
How a Condensing Furnace is Different
Overview of how a condensing furnace works
Air Recycling / Fresh Air Intake
Cold air return
Heat recovery ventilator (optional accessory)
Air filter
Electric blower motor
Blower compartment
Fuel Combustion
Gas burner
Electronic ignition
Combustion chamber
Combustion air intake
Heat Extraction
Primary heat exchanger
Secondary condensing heat exchanger
Condensate drain line
Combustion Exhaust
Draft inducing fan
Plastic flue gas vent
Previous123456Next
Home Repair Tutorials
Gas Furnaces Types and Efficiencies
Types of Electronic Furnace Ignition
Troubleshooting a Gas Furnace
More Home Repair Tutorials
Troubleshooting a Home Furnace Thermostat
Seasonal Furnace Maintenance
How to Light a Gas Furnace Standing Pilot
Related Articles
Electronic Ignition Gas Furnace - Types of Electronic Ignition Furnaces
Troubleshooting an Electronic Ignition Gas Furnace - Overview and Repair
Types of Furnaces - Single Stage Furnace - Two Stage Furnace - Modulating F...
Troubleshooting a Gas Furnace - Furnace Repair
Home Heating Systems

The above material is quoted directly from About.com

When your old furnace has reached the stage where it must be replaced you have a decision to make. You can install either a mid efficiency furnace(where this is legal) or you can pay more for a high efficiency furnace. There is no doubt that your fuel bills will be less with the high efficiency unit. The above discussion shows you what is entailed in a high efficiency furnace which may help with your decision.
We feel that the lesser fuel costs combined with the lower atmospheric pollution level definitely justifies the higher cost. However this is a decision for the individual consumer to make.
At our website you can obtain more information about gas furnace prices and about high efficiency furnaces.

How Can I Save More On My Natural Gas Heating Bill

High efficiency furnaces can save you a lot of money on your home heating bill when compared to an old inefficient furnace. Your old furnace will have an efficiency of about 60%. This means that 60% of the gas burnt in the furnace goes to heat the home and the remaining 40% is wasted. With a high efficiency furnace 90% to 97% of the fuel burnt is used to directly heat the home. This means that a saving of 35% or more will occur in your fuel cost.The following information is quoted directly from  Saskenergy

As a general rule, you will save 2% on your heating bill for every 1°C you turn down the thermostat overnight.  With a programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $65 a year!
Save Even more Money
H i  g h   E  f  f  i  c i  e n c y   M  o t  o r
Electrical Motor cost per year*
Natural Gas cost per year*
*Based on average home use in Saskatchewan. Actual savings may vary according to
use. Electrical costs based on continuous operation of furnace motor during the winter.
Fuel rates as of August 1, 2010  Natural Gas  $0.2671 m3  Electric  $0.1061 kWh
08-10
Save up to $553 a year with an ENERGY
STAR qualified furnace with a brushless DC
motor. Not only will you realize natural gas
savings but electrical savings, too. High
efficiency motors operate efficiently and
economically under varying load conditions
while increasing the efficiency of your heating
and air conditioning system, resulting in
significant energy savings.  Your home will
have better air circulation, even temperature
distribution – plus reduced electrical costs.
How can I save more money?
One of the easiest ways to save energy and money is to install a programmable thermostat. You determine the settings for
your home and the programmable thermostat takes care of raising or lowering the temperature.
•  Clean or replace your furnace filter every 1-2 months. A dirty filter reduces airflow and forces the furnace to run
longer to heat your home.
•  Lower your thermostat by 4-5 degrees Celsius while you’re sleeping at night or when no one is at home.
•  Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at
peak efficiency, it will use less energy and cost less to operate.

The above material is quoted directly from Saskenergy

When your old furnace is in need of replacement it is highly recommended that you should replace it with a high efficiency furnace, specifically a high efficiency condensing gas furnace of 90% to 97% efficiency. not only will you save greatly on your home heating bill but you will also cut down on the polluting gases which are emitted into the environment.
See our website for more information about high efficiency furnaces 

The Three Types Of High Efficiency Gas Furnace

                                                         


There are three major types of gas furnace. These are 1. single stage furnace. 2. Two stage furnace. 3. Modulating furnace. The simplest of these and least expensive is the single stage furnace. This appliance also has the lowest AFUE rating and is usually 80% to 82% efficient. This is known as a medium efficiency furnace and is very commonly used in areas where winters are relatively mild and short. The two stage furnace and the modulating furnace are more complex in construction and as a result cost more. They have efficiency ratings of 90% up to 98% and use the least fuel to warm your home.

The high efficiency furnaces with their high AFUEs will save you the most on fuel costs. The other thing that must be considered however is the much higher initial cost. Will the extra investment be paid back in a reasonable time by the savings in your fuel bills?

A discussion of the three types of gas furnace is published in About.com and the following is quoted from that website:

Who cares about furnaces? As long as they stay quiet, remain out of the way, and do their job, most homeowners give them little thought.
Until it's December 21st and the furnace has taken its last breath and all the heating/cooling companies seem to be shut tight for the holidays. Then, your furnace gets an awful lot of thought.


Acquaint yourself with three major types of gas furnaces before the salesperson rolls up to your door. We have arranged the furnace types in order of efficiency (AFUE*) and cost, least efficient and lowest cost leading the way.


First, let's briefly discuss furnace efficiency. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures the amount of fuel converted to space heat in proportion to the amount of fuel entering the furnace. This is commonly expressed as a percentage.


Single Stage Furnace


You've probably lived in a house with a single stage furnace. The gas flame is either on or off. Consequently, the furnace waits for the temperature in the house to get cold--often colder than comfortable--before firing on. Then, the furnace rams the house full of heat until the thermostat shuts the system down.
You're left with a lot of heat build-up, which is great if you're a "cold-blooded" person but bad for your energy bills. For a target of 72 degrees, actual temperatures in your house might range as low as 68 degrees and as high as 76 degrees. Single stage furnaces are the most wasteful in terms of energy, but they are the lowest cost to purchase.


Two-Stage or Dual-Stage Furnace


The two-stage furnace is a little smarter than the single stage furnace. Rather than a simple on/off operation, its flame can be on/high, on/low, or off.
Adding this second flame setting makes a dramatic difference in energy costs. Two stage furnaces are much quieter than single stage furnaces and slightly higher cost.


For a target of 72 degrees, actual temperatures in your house might range as low as 70 degrees and as high as 74 degrees.


Modulating Furnace


This furnace adjusts its flame incrementally so that the true temperature never varies more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat's target temperature.
In terms of comfort, it's the most comfortable gas furnace you can buy because you avoid those long, cold periods (found in single and two stage furnaces) and high build-ups of heat when the furnace eventually responds.


In addition to a variable flame, the blower is variable according to demand.


For a target of 72 degrees, actual temperatures in your house might range as low as 71 degrees and as high as 73 degrees.


Modulating gas furnaces are among the most energy efficient furnaces and are rated at 98% efficiency. These are also the highest cost furnaces.


AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, according to EnergyStar, "measures the amount of fuel converted to space heat in proportion to the amount of fuel entering the furnace. This is commonly expressed as a percentage."

The above material is quoted from the About.com website and gives a good picture of the characteristics of the three different types of gas furnace. The extra comfort provided by a high efficiency two stage or modulating furnace is undoubtedly considerable. The lower quantities of polluting gases emitted into the atmosphere by high efficiency furnaces is another benefit well worth consideration. The final decision as to what type of gas furnace should be installed is of course a matter for the individual consumer to decide for himself. You will find more information at gas furnace prices and also at high efficiency furnaces

Choose The Righ High Efficiency Furnace For Your Home

When your old inefficient furnace is nearing the end of its days it is time to start looking for the best high efficiency furnace available to replace it. By best we do not mean the most expensive but simpl;y the furnace which will do the best job for you when every factor has been considered. There are high end furnaces which give great comfort from very even heating and low operating noise levels. If this is what you desire several manufacturers make such furnaces which have AFUE ratings of up to 97%. If cost is the most important factor to you there are budget priced high efficiency furnaces which cost consideranly less and have efficiency ratings of 90% to 92%. You can obtain information about these furnaces online or from local suppliers in your area. when you have made up your mind about the furnace you want to install you should get written quotations from several suppliers for the total installed cost of the furnace.Here is material quoted from the government of Canada website which is pertinent to this:

Condensing gas furnaces are the most energy-efficient furnaces on the market today. They are an ideal choice as a new or replacement furnace for virtually any home serviced by natural gas or propane. Here is why:
Condensing gas furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of between 90 and 97 percent, compared with AFUEs of about 60 percent for old furnaces and of 78 to 84 percent for standard efficiency units. (AFUE is the yardstick for rating furnace efficiency.)
Because of their increased efficiency, condensing gas furnaces use, on average, 33 to 38 percent less energy than old models and 10 percent less energy than a standard efficiency model. This helps conserve Canada's natural resources and reduces harmful environmental emissions that contribute to climate change, urban smog and other air pollution problems.
Any extra cost associated with purchasing a condensing gas furnace will be quickly recovered through energy savings. For example, a homeowner with an old gas furnace could save about $300 a year by switching to a condensing gas furnace with an AFUE of 96 percent.
Condensing gas furnaces are available in a range of sizes. They can be installed in the same location as the furnace that is being replaced, by the same technicians and by using the same ductwork.

The above is quoted directly from the Government of Canada website. 

Installation of a high efficiency condensing gas furnace will reduce your fuel bills considerably compared to the cost for your old furnace which usually has an efficiency rating of about 60%. You will also have a more comfortable home when you have the right high efficiency furnace installed. For more information go to gas furnace prices and also to high efficiency furnaces.

What Is The Most Economical Fuel For Home Heating?

                                                                     

When your old furnace has reached the point where you obviously must replace it very soon the question arises as to which fuel is going to be best, and cost the least for heating your home. Most consumers find that natural gas is the least costly fuel to use for home heating, but there are some questions which may arise before making a final decision.

In years past electricity was always the most expensive home heating method. Oil heat cost less, and natural gas was always the lowest cost fuel. That is no longer always the case due to the present high and rising cost of both fuel oil and gas. In addition to this oil and gas prices can fluctuate widely depending on supply questions. Any crisis in the Middle East sparks an immediate rise in prices, and any full scale war in that area would be disastrous for oil suppliers. The gap between costs for these fuels and the cost of electrical heating has narrowed.

If oil and gas costs continue to escalate in future years, which is a likely scenario, the cost of heating with electricity may no longer be highest of the three. The cost of electricity has risen less than that of oil and gas over the past two decades, and it is likely that the gap will lessen even more. Eventually it may even be cheaper to heat with electricity. How long it will take for this to happen is a big question. At present it still seems best to use natural gas with a high efficiency furnace, and most consumers make this choice.The following material is quoted from the CMHC website and shows how to calculate fuel costs:

Calculating Fuel Costs

Here is a rough comparison of the relative costs of heating an older house in Ottawa. You can put in your own fuel prices and the efficiencies of the appliance that you are choosing to compare relative costs

.

Note: It is often difficult to isolate the cost per unit of fuel, be it gas or electricity. Include all the costs that relate to the m³ of consumption for gas (for example, gas supply charge, gas delivery charges, gas surcharges). Electric utilities often also have a bewildering range of charges. Apply all the charges except fixed charges (for example, $10/month connection charge).
For oil appliances, use an energy content of 38.2 MJ/litre of oil. For electricity, use 3.6 MJ/kWh and 100-per-cent efficiency.
Note: 80 GJ (or 80 gigajoules) is the energy required for heating the example house over the winter (heat load). Your own house will likely be different. However, the relative costs calculated for alternative fuels and furnaces in the example house should help you make a selection for your house.

The above material is quoted directly from the CMHC website.

This calculation can be performed to find the present day figures for heating your home by various methods. By substituting higher prices for fuels in the future the cost of heating your home under various scenarios can be calculated.

For more information check out gas furnaces prices and high efficiency furnaces.


                                                                 

Calculating Furnace Size For Your Home

                                                                                 
                                                     

                                                                         

                                                           




How can you calculate the correct size for your new furnace? This can be done by the contractor who calculates the heat loss for the home  using a method which is available from government as well as private sources. This takes a number of hours to do and is fairly costly.

If you have your fuel bills from past years the heat loss for your house can be determined using the method shown below. This method is published by  The Canadian Mortgage And Housing Association  (CMHC) and is quoted from their website

    "Calculating House Heat Loss from Utility Bills

    Here is a sample calculation, using a three-month meter reading for a typical house. You can use any period (but at least two weeks of winter weather is necessary). You can read the meter yourself for the information, look at your furnace bills or phone your utility to see if they have appropriate records. The natural gas usage of other gas-fired appliances in the house is estimated from gas utility data and subtracted from the total for the period in question, so that the gas requirement for heating can be isolated. (Oil furnaces are harder to size using this method, but it may be possible using oil fill-up intervals and the number of litres delivered.)


    The goal is to find a relationship between the gas consumed and the heating degree days (HDD). A heating degree day is essentially the number of degrees of heating required over the course of 24 hours, compared to a reference temperature of 18°C. For example, if the average daily outside temperature is 10°C, then the number of heating degree days for that day is 18°C - 10°C = 8 HDD. You can get the approximate HDD for your calculation period from the Environment Canada website. Use the data from the “Degree Days: Below 18°C” row.


    Once the relationship of the HDD and gas consumption is established, then you can calculate gas consumption for the design temperature in your area. This temperature is usually available from a mechanical contractor or your local building officials. It is not the extreme minimum temperature; it can be estimated from the average temperature over 24 hours on the coldest day of the winter. To approximate the design temperature: go to the historical weather data for your community on the Environment Canada website; find the coldest January over the last several years; then pick out the lowest daily average temperature in that month; and use that as the design temperature. Being a degree or two out will not make a huge difference in the calculation.


    The example below uses a design temperature of -35°C. At that temperature, the maximum HDD per day is equal to 53, which is the difference between 18°C and -35°C. Calculating the size of the furnace necessary on the coldest day of the year will mean that the furnace has the capacity to handle any expected local temperature. You can find a furnace’s efficiency rating on its EnerGuide label or in the product documentation.


    Example


    Total gas consumption from December to March = 1,320 m3
    Estimated consumption for other gas appliances (data from utility) = 306 m3
    Therefore, gas consumption during the period for heating = 1,320 - 306 = 1,014 m3


    Heating degree days for that period (from Environment Canada data) = 2,840 HDD
    Heating consumption by degree day = 1,014 m3/ 2,840 HDD = 0.3570 m3/HDD
    Heating consumption at 53 HDD/day = (53 HDD/day)(0.3570 m3/HDD) = 18.9 m3/day


    Where gas has an energy content of 37.5 MJ/m3, and the existing furnace has an efficiency of 72 per cent, then:
    Heat loss at 53 HDD/day = (18.9 m3/day) (37.5 MJ/m3)(0.72) = 510 MJ/day or 21.3 MJ/h*
    According to the energy content of electricity, 3.6 MJ/h = 1 kW, then 21.3 MJ/h = 5.9 kW


    This heat loss would require a furnace that produces an output of 5.9 kW or about 20,100 Btu/h (1 kW is approximately 3,412 Btu/h).


    If we allow the CAN/CSA F280 permissible oversizing of 40 per cent, then the proper furnace sizing would be (1.4)(20,100 Btu/h) = approximately 28,100 Btu/h.


    If you are calculating for an oil furnace, heating oil has an energy content of 38.2 MJ/litre.


    * Note: This calculation is correct, although many people think the efficiency factor is in the wrong place. It is not. We are calculating the house heat loss based on fuel used and furnace efficiency. A more efficient furnace will have delivered more heat to the house, and the heat loss will be higher."

The source of the above material is the  CMHC website.

A less formal method of sizing your furnace can be carried out by a local contractor who will use the size, type and insulation qualities of your house to make the calculation. Most contractors know the local area well and can determine the size of furnace you will require fairly accurately. If you are buying a high efficiency condensing natural gas furnace the correct sizing for the furnace is not nearly so important. A condensing furnace even if it is over-sized the furnace still operates at full high efficiency. At our website you can find out more about high efficiency furnaces











































































                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                               











































































                                                                                                                                   
                                                                   

Budget Priced High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces

                                                        




Furnaces commonly last for about 20 years although some may need replacement in as little as 15 years,particularly if they have not been well cared for with regular maintenance. If you have a furnace which is about that age you can expect to replace it before very long. You definitely don't want to wait wait till the appliance finally breaks down, forcing you to purchase a new one immediatel,y with little time to research what is best for you.The last thing you want is to have your furnace break down in the middle of winter on a really cold day. It is wise to install a new furnace in the warmer Spring and summer months, when contractors are not so bus,y and you can possibly bargain for the best price.


Budget priced high efficiency furnaces are available priced from about $1,000 to $3,000. The price varies according to the size of furnace required. If your home is small, a furnace with 60000 BTU output may suffice, but a big house could require 100000 BTU and up to heat it. The price also varies with the AFUE efficiency rating of the furnace. Top of the line higher efficiency furnaces of perhaps 97% AFUE are more complex, resulting in more flexibility in the fuel systrem and blower. These high end systems make the furnace more costly, but they do add more flexibility, producing the most even heating in all areas of the home, as well as making much less operating noise. Ask for written quotations, including installation cost, from three or more contractors in order to get the best available price.


High efficency furnaces have an AFUE (efficiency rating) of 90% to 97%, and will reduce fuel costs by 30% to 50% compared to the old furnace they replace. This results in a cost saving which is sufficent to completely pay for the new furnace over a period of time. Natural gas is the most popular fuel now but propane may be a necessity in places which are well away from a gas supply. Propane fuelled furnaces are pretty much the same as natural gas fuelled models, with just small differences in the system.

For more information checkout high efficiency furnaces and take a look at gas furnace prices

How Do I Know When To Replace My Older Furnace?

                                                             



It can be a difficult decision when it comes to replacing your old furnace. A large expense is involved,and it needs good decision making.

When  you are deciding on whether or not to replace an older furnace the age and the working condition of the unit are the most important factors involved. Furnaces which are fuelled by natural gas or oil frequently last for some 15 to 20 years, when they have been properly maintained.

Heat exchangers in older furnaces are less efficient than those in new machines, and produce less usable heat from the fuel they burn. Fan motors are of single speed construction, and are therefore considerably less efficient then the state of the art motors in new furnaces.

The old furnace may not have been well maintained, or air filters serviced regularly. This shortens the useful life of the furnace, and necessitates earlier replacement. It is very wise to have your furnace serviced every year, and to routinely inspect and replace air filters which are dirty.

Many old furnaces were oversize for the home they were installed in. Fuel was dirt cheap years ago and efficiency was the last thing people thought about. The correct sizing for your new furnace should be worked out by an experienced installer, and will very often be smaller than the size of the old unit.

 Less fuel will be consumed because of its smaller size, and also due to the fact that it has a very much better efficiency rating (AFUE).  Furnaces manufactured 20 years ago or earlier are commonly about 60% efficient or even less.

The new high efficiency furnaces of today have 90% to 97% AFUE ratings, and consume a lot less fuel to heat a home properly. Most high efficiency furnaces can be installed making use of the same ductwork  the old furnace used. So there is no extra expense for new ducts.

Exhaust gases are normally vented through a side wall of the home and the chimney is no longer needed. The exhaust gases are at a quite low temperature, and can be vented to the outside using plastic piping through a side wall. Fresh air to fuel the furnace is pulled in through plastic piping from outdoors also.

Your new  high efficiency gas furnace will dramatically cut your fuel bills, and this considerable saving  will pay for the new furnace. The length of time needed till this payout takes place will depend on fuel consumption of the furnace. In cold climates more fuel is used to heat the home and the saving will be bigger than in warmer climates. Over time you will get back the cost of the furnace from the fuel savings. The price of natural gas as with all fuels is likely to increase in the future which will make the savings even bigger.

Take a look at our website to get gas furnace prices

Have a look here to find out more about high efficiency furnaces

                            n: 








                                                                   

How To Buy A New Gas Furnace

                                            You will find gas furnace prices at our website                     


The purchase of a new gas furnace and its installation will run to several thousand dollars in many cases. It is imperative therefore that the buyer should carefully check prices from all suppliers, before a decision is made.

The first thing to do is to look at all different makes of furnace which are available and to decide on which of them fits your needs the best. It is a good idea to shop online as well as to ask for prices from local dealers. Go online and search for reviews of the furnaces, to see what owners are saying about them. Read about all the features each model has.  Then when you have decided on which model suits your needs check all local retailers, and get price quotes from them in writing--you will find that they may vary considerably.

The next step is to go online go online and check the price with all suppliers of that particular make of furnace.. Ask for a quote on shipping charges and compare the total cost with local dealer prices. There is often a wide range of prices and you need not pay any more than necessary.

The next cost to consider is that of installation. Some of your local dealers may give you a low price here  when you buy the furnace from them.  However  if they are in their busy season they will most likely charge the top price for installation, even when you buy the furnace from them.

You will need  to hire an installer needless to say if you buy online, and the furnace is shipped to your home. Be wise here and have only a certified  gas installation contractor install your furnace.  If you do not do this, the installation may well be illegal, and your insurance company will not pay if you should have a fire. Be prudent, and have only a certified technician do the installation. This may cost a bit more but it will be done properly.

Look at all the angles when you are buying a new furnace. Make sure that you buy the best furnace, which has good user reviews online, and few complaints. If you find some negative reviews or  many complaints in the comments, you would be well advised to settle on another make. Spend your money only after making certain that you are getting the best buy.

Natural gas furnace prices are highly competitive with online dealers. To get a  really good  price  check all available online suppliers, and  also those in your own locality. Remember to take into account the shipping costs which you incur by buying online, and add this to the buying price to get the final cost.

The gas furnace must be installed using a licensed contractor, who has the proper licence for gas installation. If you purchase from a local dealer and they also install, the installation cost (and hence the total installed cost) could well be less than if you buy online, and  have  a licensed contractor do the installation. All these factors should be taken into account in making the decision to purchase a natural gas furnace either locally or online.
For more information see our website gas furnace prices. To get lots of info about high efficiency furnaces take a look at high efficiency furnaces

                                                                       

Condensing Gas Furnaces Are The Most Efficient

                                                         

The most energy-efficient furnaces available are condensing gas furnaces. They are the best replacement furnace in all homes which are heated by natural gas. Here's the reason:

Condensing gas furnaces have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilisation Efficiency) of from 90 to 97 percent. Old furnaces commonly have AFUEs of 60 percent or even less and standard efficency furnaces have AFUEs of 78 to 84 percent.

Condensing gas furnaces use, about 33 to 40 percent less fuel than old furnaces and 10 percent less than standard efficiency units. This reduces toxic environmental emissions which may be partly responsible for climate change and air pollution.

The higher cost of purchasing a condensing gas furnace will be recovered, over a period of time, through fuel savings. An average homeowner with an old model furnace might save $300 a year or so by installing a 96% efficiency condensing gas furnace.

Condensing gas furnaces are made in all sizes to suit any home. They may be placed in the same location as the old furnace, and can use the same ductwork. All furnaces must be installed by licensed technicians. Read More

I Need A New Furnace--What Type Should I Buy?

If your present furnace is getting pretty long in the tooth, and has been giving you some problems it is definitely time to get a new one. The big question you are faced with is what type and make of of furnace you should buy. Is a mid efficiency furnace good enough? It costs about $1000 less than a high efficiency model and that is quite a bit of cash to pay out if you don't really need the higher efficiency model. Will the higher cost be worthwhile and will it save much on your fuel bill?.

Just take a look at the details. Mid efficiency furnaces convert 80 to 82% of the fuel burnt into heat to warm your home. High efficiency furnaces convert 90% to 97% of the gas they burn into effective heat to warm your house. The remaining 3% to 10% of the fuel is wasted and the heat goes out through the furnace flue or exhaust.

It is very obvious that high efficiency furnaces will save a fairly large amount on your fuel bill and this is even more true in areas with colder climates, where more fuel is going to be used to keep the home warm. There is no doubt that finding new supplies of natural gas will cost more in the future and because of this natural gas prices will rise substantially. The savings in fuel costs will be even bigger at these higher prices.As a result there is no question that high efficiency furnaces is are the best buy even with the higher purchase price. Gas furnace prices.


To find more information on high efficiency furnaces, and the advantages they present, take a look at our website high efficiency furnaces and to read articles on this and other subjects check out Articles




                                                      

Goodman High Efficiency Gas Furnaces

                                                              



Goodman is one of the best known names in the gas furnace manufacturing business. The Goodman high efficiency gas furnace is a quality unit which has proven itself over the years.

The Goodman gas furnace has two stage heating, and is equipped with a variable speed circulating blower  which is very efficient and  ensures economical heating for your house. This blower operates continuously to deliver even heating throughout the home. The continuous flow of warm air cuts down on temperature swings and stratification of heat from  the ceiling to floor. While standard  furnaces operate either in a full  on speed or  completely off mode the Goodman high efficiency furnace runs continuously at low heat range for 90% of the time. In colder weather it automatically runs at a higher heat range to keep the temperature even.


The Goodman variable speed blower will keep the temperature even throughout your whole house.  It also has a very efficient electric motor which greatly cuts down on running noise. Some people find the noise made by standard  electric furnace motors to be quite annoying. This low noise level is an important feature of the Goodman high efficiency gas furnace. The variable speed circulating blower which runs at low range for 90% of  operating the time ensures that there is much less noise from the furnace.
For more information   gas furnace prices 

Why Buy A High Efficiency Gas Furnace?

Why should I buy a high efficiency gas furnace you ask? a medium efficency furnace costs a bout $1000 less and surely it will heat my house just as well will it not?

Well yes and no. A medium efficiency furnace will heat your house but it will not provide the even comfortable heat that a high efficiency furnace does.

It will also cost you considerably more on your monthly heating bill if you have a medium efficiency furnace. A high efficency furnace turns 90% to 97% of the gas burnt,into heat for the home.A medium efficiency furnace converts only up to 78% to 85% of the gas into heat. That difference of 12% means that you will use that much more gas every month and your bill will be that much higher.

The price of natural gas is likely to go up in future years so the saving will be even bigger as the price rises. Obviously it will not take long to pay ythe extra cost of the high efficiency furnace. After it is paid for the savings are all straight into your bank account and will amount to thousands of dollars over the course of the years.

The logical decision is to pay a bit more for a high efficiency furnace now and reap the savings rewards in the future.\

For more information on gas furnace prices see our website.