If you're in the market for a new furnace, you definitely should be considering the superior energy efficiency and performance you'll get with a condensing furnace. The percentage of furnace fuel converted to heat is expressed as AFUE, or annual fuel utilization efficiency, and the condensing furnace delivers the highest AFUE ratings available today.
Become familiar with the condensing furnace’s high-efficiency options, as well as its safer features, both of which make this furnace option a much better choice than a conventional gas-fueled furnace.
Higher fuel efficiency
A secondary heat exchanger is the component that defines the condensing furnace. Secondary heat exchangers capture heat energy from hot exhaust gases that would normally float up the chimney, along with your energy dollars.
These components help condensing furnaces reach nearly 100 percent AFUE. This impressive fuel efficiency delivers substantial fuel savings compared to old furnaces with 65 to 70 percent AFUE. In fact, the secondary heat exchangers squeeze enough heat out of exhaust gases that the relatively cool exhaust gases can vent from the side of your home via a PVC pipe.
Safer components
Sealed combustion, direct-vent intake and electronic ignition mark safety advances in modern furnaces. Sealed combustion only uses outside air for fuel combustion. The warm air inside your home is no longer used for this purpose, which saves heat energy. The outside air utilized for sealed combustion is provided via direct-vent intake. Exhaust is also direct-vent, which prevents backdrafting.
Electronic ignition replaces the standing pilot light. This is a safer and more economical method for firing up the furnace. Two-stage gas valves increase efficiency, too. Two-stage valves quickly heat up the furnace, and then reduce output for a more efficient burn.
Enhanced comfort
The variable-speed blower in a condensing furnace replaces the single-speed blower of conventional furnaces. Variable-speed blowers provide more comfortable heating by adjusting airflow speed to meet real-time heating needs.
Condensing furnaces capitalize on this feature with longer cycles that distribute air more evenly throughout your living spaces. Conventional blowers only operate at full speed, which induces inefficient quick-cycling. In addition to fuel savings of condensing furnaces, variable-speed blowers will save electricity.
For more information on condensing furnace benefits, contact the furnace experts at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today. We’ve been serving homeowners in the Fort Wayne area for nearly 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about condensing furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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