The battle of a lifetime: the 80% vs. 95% efficient furnace. Most people do not know the difference. Usually furnaces with 90% efficiency or higher are considered high-efficiency. 80% efficiency is standard. The big question is whether the 80% furnace or the 95% furnace is better for your home. Just by hearing the labels “80% efficient” vs. “95% efficient” most people would choose 95%. However there are more complicated details to consider when choosing between an 80% vs. 95% efficient furnace. 

What Does It Mean For A Furnace To Be X% Efficient?

First of all, what does it mean for a furnace to be 80% vs. 95% efficient? As an example, an 80% efficient furnace turns 80% of the energy it consumes into usable heat and expels the 20% left of the energy through exhaust. So essentially, the efficiency percentage that a furnace is given is the amount of energy that it is able to turn into heat.

In-Depth Look At 95% Efficient Furnaces

Due to how they are marketed, 95% efficient furnaces are the favorite of the market right now. 95% efficient furnaces save energy, but are typically more costly to install and maintain than an 80%. Here at Genuine Comfort, we will assert that all brands of 95% furnaces are going to give you the same effect. There is not one brand that is better than another.

Now, an important thing to understand is that 95% efficient furnaces burn cooler than 80% furnaces. This is because they use a sealed combustion process where it brings in air from outside. 95% efficient furnaces also have two heat exchangers that cause the exhaust to change from gas to liquid. This causes condensation to form, which means that your house will need a place for the condensation to drain. 

In-Depth Look At 80% Efficient Furnaces

80% efficient furnaces are typically bigger than 95% efficient furnaces. 80% efficient furnaces use open combustion, meaning that they pull air from inside the home and create heat by burning natural gas. Because 95% furnaces are using outside air pulled in by PVC pipes and 80% efficient furnaces use open combustion, 95% furnaces may be safer in small enclosed spaces. 80% furnaces feel warmer than 95% furnaces when you put your hand over the air vent because of the open combustion. 80% furnaces burn hotter and feel warmer than 95% furnaces.

Which Is Better? 80% Vs. 95% Efficient Furnace

Here at Genuine Comfort, we are of the opinion that the 80% may actually be better for your home based on your needs. We suggest an 80% efficient furnace to elderly folks because it is likely that they have grown up and have been in homes that use 80% efficient furnaces. Because 80% efficient furnaces give more heat, if we were to install a 95% efficient furnace in an older person’s home, they would likely be cold all the time. It is also important to consider your financial position because 95% efficient furnaces are more expensive upfront, but may save money over time due to using less energy to create heat.

Need More Information?

While this article has a lot of great information, nothing can beat speaking to an experienced professional. If you have more questions regarding 80% and 95% efficient furnaces, we are happy to help you find answers here at Genuine Comfort in Centerville, UT. For more information or to get a quote, contact us today!