5 Reasons to Consider Upgrading Your Furnace This Fall

There's nothing quite like having a warm, comfortable home to come into as winter temperatures start to dip. This time of year is also the perfect time to start thinking about your furnace. If yours is on the older side, now might be the time to consider an upgrade before winter hits full force.

There are many benefits that come with upgrading to a newer, more efficient furnace. These include reliability and energy-efficiency, both of which can save you tons of money down the line. In this article, we’re going to look at five reasons you might consider upgrading to a new furnace come fall.

Improved Energy Efficiency for Lower Bills

One of the top benefits of a new furnace is energy efficiency. Newer models are made to consume less energy while keeping your home just as warm, if not warmer. That means you’ll be using less fuel to heat your home, which means lower heating bills. It also means the peace of mind of a reliable heating system.

Modern furnaces also have high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. This is a measure of how efficiently the furnace converts fuel into heat. While older models typically only have 60-70% AGUE, today's high-efficiency furnaces often have ratings of 90% or higher. 

In terms of savings, homeowners who upgrade to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR furnace can expect to save around 15% on their heating bills.

Increased Home Comfort and Consistent Heating

Are you feeling sudden chills when walking from room to room? Do you notice that certain areas of your home are freezing while others are too hot? 

If you’ve got an older furnace, the issue might be that it’s not offering consistent heat. Your best bet is to upgrade to a newer model.

New furnaces are made with heat distribution in mind, thanks to their variable-speed blowers and upgraded airflow systems. 

Enhanced Reliability and Fewer Breakdowns

As your furnace gets older, you run a higher risk of intermittent breakdowns, especially when it's working overtime during the coldest winter months of winter. Older systems are more prone to wear and tear, and the last thing you want is for your furnace to stop working in the middle of a snowstorm. 

Beyond the frustration that comes with, it also means you might have to spend tons of money on repairs or a full fall furnace replacement. 

With an upgraded furnace, you get better reliability and durability. Newer models have fewer issues, so you won’t have to deal with random emergency repairs when the temperature plummets. 

Reduced Carbon Footprint and Environmental Impact

Want to make the planet just as happy as your wallet?

An energy-efficient winter furnace upgrade is the way to go!

Newer furnaces tend to use less fuel, which means they also emit fewer greenhouse gases and have a smaller environmental footprint. On average, high-end modern furnaces can save up to 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the course of a year.

If you believe in making responsible, eco-friendly choices, you might be surprised how much a simple furnace upgrade can contribute to a greener future. 

Take Advantage of Seasonal Rebates and Incentives

One of the reasons that fall is one of the best times to upgrade your furnace is that many manufacturers and energy providers offer seasonal rebates and incentives. this makes upgrading more affordable and cost effective. 

These promotions are put out there to encourage homeowners to switch to energy-efficient models. While you may spend a bit upfront to upgrade, the initial cost is less and you can save money on energy bills in the long run.

NW Natural, for example, offers a pretty solid $200 credit, and your utility company might also have a decent discount for a furnace upgrade. Make sure to explore your local and federal programs, as many of them might have tax credits or additional savings.

Furnace Upgrade for Winter Energy-Efficient Furnace Today

Just so you know, these furnace replacement benefits are just the tip of the iceberg!

At the end of the day, you might just simply not be happy with the current furnace that you have, and that’s totally cool! If you don’t trust your furnace to take you through winter without any unexpected issues, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Whatever the reasons are that you decide to replace your furnace this fall or to improve home heating efficiency make sure to contact Miller’s Heating & Air for a consultation and information on available energy-efficient furnace models and rebates.

We have decades of experience in the Pacific Northwest and can take care of all your heating needs. We look forward to hearing from you!