Do You Know About the Green Furnaces on the Market?

Every year, your furnace uses more energy and costs more money. So, it may be time to invest in a new one. Finding the most energy-efficient systems available will help you reduce not only your bills but your carbon footprint. Here’s what to look for when considering green furnaces.

Features of Green Furnaces

There are a number of features to look for in a new furnace to help it use less energy. Investing in a zoning system allows you to distribute heat only to areas that need it. An ignition system allows the furnace to use gas only when it’s running, replacing the constantly burning pilot light. The most important features, though, are a modulating gas valve and a variable-speed blower.

A modulating valve lets the furnace generate heat on a sliding scale as needed. That way, on milder days, you can get air that’s only mildly warm rather than full blast. The variable-speed blower motor does the same with air. When the air is cool, you get a warm, gentle breeze. When things are colder, the air can blow harder. Between these two features, your furnace saves plenty of energy and makes your house more comfortable.

Heat Pumps

If you really want to explore green furnaces, trade your furnace in for a heat pump. It extracts the heat from the air outside and uses it to heat the air flowing through your home. Since it runs on electricity rather than gas, it uses less energy and has a lower carbon footprint than a furnace.

Up until a few years ago, heat pumps weren’t suited to the harsh winters of Ohio. When temperatures drop below freezing, there’s less heat to extract from the air and the heat pump would need to be supplemented with a gas furnace to remain effective. However, modern heat pumps are designed to maintain their efficiency even in subzero temperatures, making them a perfect choice in any climate.

To learn more about green furnaces and which one is best for your home, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. Lorain, Oberlin, and Elyria residents trust us for quality home-comfort solutions.