What’s the difference between an 80% and 90% furnace? For homeowners in Metuchen, NJ, a reliable heating system is necessary when temperatures drop. Heaters see a lot of action in the winter months, so it’s important that your furnace is as efficient as possible. However, that doesn’t stop the average homeowner from balking when they see the price difference between a furnace that’s 80% efficient and one that’s 90% efficient or more.
Some believe that they’re simply paying a premium to save a bit on their energy bills. However, the reality is that there are some significant differences between furnaces at those two efficiency levels. Here’s a detailed explanation of what those differences are and why high-efficiency furnaces are worth every penny.
Understanding AFUE: What Does “80% vs 90% Furnace” Mean?
To understand the difference between an 80% versus a 90% furnace, we need to understand a concept known as annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE. This is the standard measure of a furnace’s operating efficiency here in the U.S. The thing is, it’s completely interchangeable with the efficiency percentages mentioned above. So, a furnace with an AFUE of 80 is 80% efficient, and one with an AFUE is 90% efficient, and so on.
What you may not know is that HVAC companies like Sam’s Air Control can only legally sell furnaces that meet specific minimum efficiency standards. According to the regulations set by the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners in New Jersey can only purchase gas furnaces that operate at a minimum of 81% efficiency. However, there are plenty of gas furnaces on the market that operate at 90% efficiency or above.
What you won’t find, though, are many furnaces with efficiency ratings between those two. The reason for that is the fact that the kinds of mechanical and design changes required to raise a furnace’s efficiency much beyond 81% push both their price much higher and their efficiency beyond 90%.
Price Difference Between an 80% and a 90% Efficient Furnace
What can you expect to pay for an 80% efficient furnace compared to a 90% model? On average, 90% furnaces cost about $1,000 to $1,200 more than 80% efficiency models. Actual costs can vary depending on your specific heating needs. Whichever option you choose, you can rest easy knowing that both systems will last between 15 and 20 years if you keep up with routine furnace maintenance.
A 90% efficiency furnace will pay back its premium within seven years, on average. Once that happens, the remaining eight to 13 years of energy savings go straight back into your pocket. So, over its lifetime, a 90% efficient furnace is more than worth spending a little more upfront. When you combine the impact of high-efficiency HVAC on energy consumption with the added comfort that you get from an efficient furnace, the value of this investment is clear.
There are federal tax credits available if you choose to purchase a furnace that’s 97% efficient or more. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, you can claim a credit worth up to 30% of the cost of installing a furnace, up to a $600 maximum. The only restriction is that the furnace you choose must be ENERGY STAR certified, which the vast majority of high-efficiency furnaces are in any case.
Installation Requirements for 80 vs 90 Furnaces
The efficiency rating isn’t the only consideration you’ll need to make when considering replacing your furnace with a newer model. The other key factor is the infrastructure these units require to function. The main difference between these models is in the venting systems they need.
An 80% efficient furnace typically requires a standard ventilation system, which usually consists of a metal flue that connects to the chimney. This is a straightforward process with lower installation costs.
A high-efficiency unit, on the other hand, creates colder exhaust gases, which require special PVC venting to ventilate. If your home isn’t already set up to accommodate a 90 AFUE furnace, your HVAC tech will need to complete a few extra steps during your furnace installation, including drilling new vent holes, rerouting your existing exhaust system, and performing additional sealing for safety and efficiency. This can drive installation costs higher, adding to the cost of a high-efficiency furnace.
How To Decide Which Furnace Is Right for Your Home
Whichever efficiency level furnace you ultimately choose, you can count on Sam’s Air Control to install it for you. We offer expert HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair services, including boilers, geothermal systems, and ductless HVAC. We also offer indoor air quality solutions and ductwork services.
Our team of fully licensed HVAC technicians has the tools, knowledge, and experience to provide flawless services on HVAC systems of all makes and models. Our long list of five-star reviews from satisfied customers like you can attest to that.
We also offer financing on approved credit to help you pay for the new furnace you need. We work with the energy savings programs of all of the local utility companies to help you save even more.
Contact Sam’s for Furnace Installation Services in NJ
The skilled team at Sam’s has served homes and businesses in and around Metuchen since 2014. When you’re ready for a new furnace for your home, call the experts at Sam’s Air Control to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the real difference between an 80% and a 90% efficient furnace?
An 80% efficiency furnace loses 20% of the energy produced by its fuel to exhaust, while a 90% unit only loses 10%. Think of 80 and 90 AFUE measurements as the percentage of energy the unit actually uses to heat your home, with 90% units losing 10% less energy during operation.
How much money can I save with a 90% furnace?
If you’re currently using an 80 AFUE furnace and are considering switching to a 90% efficiency model, you can save 10% on every energy bill you pay. If your current furnace costs an average of $150 per month to run, you’d save $15 per bill, or $180 per year.
Do 90% furnaces qualify for rebates in New Jersey?
No. In New Jersey, your furnace must be rated at 95 AFUE (95% efficiency) or higher in order to qualify for energy rebates. Contact an HVAC professional for more information on energy rebates.
Is it worth replacing an 80% efficient furnace if it’s still working?
While you can save money on energy bills by upgrading to a 90% furnace, it’s probably not worth the investment until your current unit is approaching the end of its lifespan. If it’s time to replace your furnace anyway, then it’s worth making the investment in a higher-efficiency model for ongoing savings on utility bills.
