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High-Efficiency Furnace

Related Guide: Space Heaters
In addition to being more energy-efficient, new cheap furnaces have desirable features such as variable-speed blowers and multistage heating, improved air filtration systems, and the ability to attach to a digital thermostat. Expert sources such as InfoDingo.com, Galt Technology, HVAC-Talk, and Consumer Reports explain the most important factors to look at when buying a natural gas furnace. Here's what they have to say:

High-Efficiency Furnaces.

For most gas furnaces, the annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, reflects the percentage of the fuel that's converted to heat, with the rest cast off as waste. A 90% AFUE furnace converts 90% of the gas to heat, wasting only 10%. Units with 80% AFUE, such as the Payne PG8MEA (the series starts at about $1,115)and the Trane XL80 Series (starting at $1,600), convert 80% of the fuel and send 20% into the atmosphere. A natural gas furnace with 90% AFUE will set you back $1,000 or so beyond what you'd spend on a similar-size 80% AFUE unit, but the higher AFUE will save you more on energy costs and also produce less pollution. Some furnace brands, such as the mid-range Lennox Signature Series (starting at $4,400) offer better than 90% AFUE, as does one of our picks for best gas furnace, the Carrier Infinity 96 high-efficiency furnace (the Infinity Series starts at $2,500).

The general rule of thumb is to buy a furnace with as high an AFUE rating as you can afford because you'll reap the benefits on your monthly utility bills. This is especially true if you live in a cold climate with harsh winters. If your winters are relatively mild, an 80% AFUE furnace will work nicely and still operate much more efficiently than the old model you're replacing. If you live in a very cold region, it's better to opt for a furnace with an AFUE of 90% or higher, along with a variable-speed blower. A high-efficiency furnace will keep the temperature in the house more constant, put less stress on the furnace parts, and waste less energy. (See the next page for more on the benefits of variable-speed blowers.) If you can't decide how efficient a furnace you need, don't be afraid to ask your installer to calculate the estimated fuel costs for both efficiency ratings, using your current energy bill for reference.

Energy Star Furnaces.

In addition to a high efficiency rating, an energy-efficient furnace can also earn an Energy Star label from the federal government. This distinction means that the furnace meets guidelines set up by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy for conserving energy and reducing pollution. In general, oil and gas furnaces have to have AFUE ratings of 85% or higher to qualify as Energy Star furnaces. The Carrier Infinity 96 gas furnace, with its 96% AFUE, is one high-efficiency furnace that carries the Energy Star rating. Bonus: You can get tax breaks for replacing old appliances with new Energy Star models, so ask your tax preparer whether your new high-efficiency furnace qualifies.

Digital Thermostats.

Most new furnaces, including all the cheap natural gas furnaces on our list, can be connected to a digital thermostat. Using a digital thermostat, especially one that is programmable, can cut your heating bills even further because the temperature control is more precise. You can program a digital thermostat to automatically lower the temperature at night or when you're at work so you don't have to remember to make the adjustment every day.

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Rheem Criterion Furnace
Goodman Furnace
Lennox Merit Furnace
Payne Furnace
Trane XL80 Furnace
Carrier Infinity Furnace

 

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