A high efficiency gas furnace is an option for your home if you’re looking to lower your energy bills. The process of converting gas into heat creates carbon dioxide and water vapor (H2O). The combination creates carbonic acid, which is present in the exhaust of high efficiency furnaces. This exhaust typically varies in pH level, with a typical range of three to five. A pH level of seven is neutral, while a pH level of three is acidic.
High Efficiency Gas Furnace
A high-efficiency gas furnace can be an investment, but it’s also one that can save you money in the long run. A new gas furnace can offer up to 98% efficiency, a huge improvement over older, less-efficient units. The cost of installing a high-efficiency gas furnace is generally more than double that of an oil furnace. The price of a high-efficiency gas furnace can run into the thousands of dollars, and the cost of labor is considerably higher.
Installation prices are dependent on a number of factors, including location. If you live in a rural area, you may not have access to natural gas, which can drive up the cost. Also, the brand of the furnace you choose can affect the price. Some brands are more expensive than others, and some are designed for larger homes. Additionally, the brand you choose can affect the price, so you should shop around before deciding on a furnace.
A gas furnace will require maintenance such as changing the filter every one to three months. It may also need servicing every year. Changing the air filter is inexpensive and will make your furnace operate more efficiently.
AFUE Rating
An AFUE rating is an indicator of how efficiently a gas furnace can convert fuel into heat. This number is typically listed as a percentage. High-efficiency furnaces achieve ratings above 90 percent. However, if your existing furnace has a lower AFUE, you may need to upgrade it to get a higher one.
The Department of Energy identifies certain factors to look for when assessing the efficiency of a heating system. Among these factors is the AFUE rating. A low-efficiency furnace is usually rated between 56 and 70 percent. A medium-efficiency unit will be between 80-83 percent efficient. And high-efficiency units, rated at 90 percent or above, are more energy efficient than low-efficiency models. Some models also feature sealed combustion, which is an effective means of reducing energy usage.
In addition to the AFUE rating, a furnace must also have an appropriate fuel source. A low AFUE rating will cause your heating bills to increase and you may experience problems with the temperature in your home. An HVAC professional should be able to assess the exact condition of your heating system.
Two-Stage Burner Control
Compared to single-stage furnaces, two-stage models heat your home in two stages – the first stage runs at lower temperature and the second stage runs at higher temperature. A two-stage furnace has a programmable thermostat which can learn how long it takes for the furnace to reach its set temperature and adjusts its start-up time based on that reading. The second stage only kicks in when the first stage is no longer effective in heating the home.
The gas valve in a two-stage furnace has two settings – low and high. The low setting fires at 65% of its maximum capacity, while the high setting fires at 100%. This feature is beneficial for energy efficiency, because it reduces short-cycling and wear on the furnace’s components.
Two-stage gas furnaces also have two settings for the gas burner. The low setting is sufficient to meet the heating requirements of a household 80 percent of the time, while the high setting is only needed for extremely cold days. These furnaces are typically more expensive than single-stage models, but they will save you money in the long run. However, a two-stage gas furnace can cost up to several hundred dollars, which may not be worth the cost if you’re not planning to stay in your home for a long time.
Problems With Condensate Drain
During the winter, a condensate drain line can become clogged with debris and freeze. If this happens, you should contact a Sacramento, CA plumber to clean it out and warm it up. In some cases, a clogged condensate drain line can also cause mold growth.
To avoid these problems, check the condensate drain on your high-efficiency gas furnace. You should clean it out at least two to four times a year. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly and make sure that the water flows freely. If it’s blocked completely, you may need to clean it with bleach or white vinegar. Bleach will help lessen the risk of mold growth, but may damage any vegetation outside your home. In addition, you should check the condensate drain line to ensure that it is not leaking. If there are any cracks or breaks, you may need to replace the line.
A clogged drain pipe may also clog the air conditioner. If it’s clogged, you can try cleaning it by using pan tablets or water. If this doesn’t work, you should contact a technician to clean it for you. After cleaning the drain line, you should turn the furnace on and test the water level.
