Is a Higher Efficiency Furnace Always Better?

When a higher efficiency furnace makes sense

If you live in a colder climate where temperatures frequently dip below 30 degrees, a high efficiency furnace is worth considering. A 93 percent efficient furnace consumes about 16 percent less gas than a standard 80 percent efficient furnace. Over a long heating season, that fuel savings adds up and can offset the higher purchase cost of the unit.

In very moderate climates such as Florida, Texas, and Southern California, furnaces run for fewer hours each year. With limited operating time, the fuel savings from a high efficiency model may not justify the price increase, so standard 80 percent efficient furnaces are normally used in those regions.

Installation and serviceability

Efficiency is not the only consideration. A 93 percent furnace is more complex than a standard efficiency furnace. It uses a secondary heat exchanger and a condensate drain that a standard 80 percent unit does not have. If high efficiency furnaces are not common in your area, local service technicians may be less familiar with proper installation and service procedures. That can make repairs harder to source down the road.

Comfort features in standard efficiency models

You do not have to choose a 93 percent furnace to get better comfort. If you live in a warmer area but want the comfort and performance of two-stage and variable speed operation, you can select a standard efficiency 80 percent furnace in a two-stage, variable speed model. The Goodman GMV8 and Ruud UGPL series are examples that pair standard efficiency with quieter, more even heating.

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