Advantages for Gas Forced Air Furnaces

Efficiency

• Gas forced air furnaces use less energy than older models, which helps the owner save considerable money on home energy costs. The condensing gas furnace provides seasonal efficiency rating of between 90 to 97 percent, according to Natural Resources Canada. Its high efficiency makes the furnace efficient even regions that suffer extreme winter conditions. The older standard-efficiency furnaces only had a seasonal efficiency rating of 78 percent or less.

Compatibility

• A gas furnace will work in perfect unison with central air conditioning. It is the only central distribution unit that offers that capability. Because of the two units' compatibility, the homeowner will not be faced with costly modifications during the installation process. The homeowner will reap the benefits of lower installation costs and reduced energy savings by using the two units together. Additional units such as air filtration, ultra-violet lights and humidifiers can also be added to the gas furnace.

Air Flow

• A high efficiency gas furnace heats the house up quickly; there is no waiting for the room to warm. It immediately begins to blow heated air through the home's vent system. A high efficiency gas forced air furnaces also uses the hot vent gases to help heat the house by forcing the gases through a heat exchanger. The furnace also does not draw the heated air from inside the house, but pulls the outside air through a pipe in the top of the roof. The process helps to effectively keep the warm air in the house.

Maintenance

• Forced air gas furnaces require little yearly maintenance. The homeowner will have to regularly change the filter. The furnace's filter can become clogged with dirt, which reduces the furnace's efficiency. The homeowner should also avoid blocking the air vents in the home. Maintaining air flow will help the furnace run. Regularly check for possible water leaks in the roof and ducts. With regular checkups, a gas furnace will operate problem-free for years.