 | Product Overview |
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| Benefits of a Natural Gas Furnace |
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| Energy Efficient Features |
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| Cost Comparison |
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| Buying Tips |
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| Where to Buy |
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| Installation |
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| Manufacturers |
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| Safety & Maintenance |
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| FAQs |
Natural Gas Furnaces
Product
Overview
The most common way to heat your home is with a forced-air system that distributes warm air throughout your home through ducts. There are two types of forced-air furnace in two efficiencies: high-efficiency and mid-efficiency. The main differences between the two types of furnaces are the purchase price, operating costs, and how they are vented.
High-Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces:
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are the only furnaces that qualify for the Energy Star* label
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have energy efficiency ratings from 90-97% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency**)
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deliver up to 97% (with 90% being the average) of the heat they produce into your home, losing only 3% up the chimney
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will save you up to 24% in energy costs compared to a mid-efficiency natural gas furnace
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have additional heat exchange surfaces that extract more heat
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require a floor drain to dispose of the water formed during the combustion process
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do not require a chimney as combustion products are vented through PVC or ABS plastic pipe out the side of the house
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extract additional heat from natural gas
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are also referred to as a condensing furnace***
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are the best choice for energy efficient and well-sealed homes
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create less carbon dioxide
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FACT: If you have a furnace that is more than 15-20 years old, it is generally 55-60% efficient which means that you are only using 55-60% of every heating dollar. |
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Energy Star is a program that helps consumers easily identify their
most efficient new products by category. Find out more details about
EnergyStar.
** The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating 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. Energy Star labeled furnaces must meet or exceed 90% AFUE energy efficiency rating.
*** Condensing furnace - A high-efficiency furnace is often called a condensing furnace because it extracts extra heat by condensing water vapour from the natural gas combustion products. This step recovers additional heat, resulting in a higher efficiency.
Mid-efficiency natural gas furnaces:
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have lower energy efficiency ratings ranging from 78-82% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency+), which means you’re making use of 78-82% of every heating dollar.
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have a lower purchase price than a high-efficiency furnace
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is usually vented vertically through a lined chimney or B-vent
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are a better option in terms of energy efficiency than either oil or electric higher efficiency furnaces
+ The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating 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. Energy Star labeled furnaces must meet or exceed 90% AFUE energy efficiency rating.