Converting Your Furnace From Standard Efficiency to High Efficiency

HomeSense Team

March 5, 2015

What Homeowners Need to Know About Converting to a High-Efficiency Furnace

Changes in domestic energy production have helped lower energy costs in recent years. But energy prices can still fluctuate. Energy prices can shift based on production costs and global demand, which means your utility bills can change over time.

Many homeowners want to reduce their energy use and environmental impact. With heating and cooling costs making up an average of 50% of overall utility bills, the move from standard efficiency to a high-efficiency furnace is one of the most meaningful upgrades a homeowner can make.

4 Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know When Converting

1. Flue conversion

Your 80% or less efficiency furnace vents through a metal pipe into a flue (often inside the same space as the chimney). The metal pipe is needed because it gets very hot. Your high-efficiency furnace will vent through 2/3/4 inch PVC pipe, and almost always include a 2nd flue pipe of the same size for intake air. This usually involves some construction because the PVC typically can’t use the same space as your previous metal pipe. This often means drilling a hole in a side wall or roof.

2. Furnace Drainage

This new high-efficiency furnace is also called a condensing furnace. Condensing = condensation. That condensation will be expelled from the system into a 3/4 inch PVC line into wherever your current air conditioner drains. Many times this is a floor drain or a sump pit.

3. Reduction of Furnace Noise

Your system should be much quieter than what you’re used to. If you’re used to the house shaking when your blower motor kicks on, that’ll likely be gone too. That means your system is working better.

4. Comfort

With the high-efficiency blower your system will likely have, your blasts of cold or hot air should be replaced with more consistent and less noticeable comfort. Those blasts of air in the past felt good because your home had gotten uncomfortable. Rather than going through cycles of comfort/discomfort, your new system is designed to create a more evenly distributed sense of comfort throughout your home.

There are other technical differences among these furnaces, and the above are critical experiential differences any homeowner should be aware of before they make the change to a high-efficiency furnace.

Have a question about how to save money on your energy bill, give us a call at 317-203-8149 or contact us. HomeSense Heating & Cooling’s HVAC technicians will install the right furnace for your home in Indianapolis, Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, or Geist.

Posted in: Heating

Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace Air Conditioning in Indiana?

When your AC starts struggling, the cost question comes up fast. Here’s how Indiana homeowners can weigh repair costs against replacement to make the smarter financial call.

Are HVAC Technicians Licensed and Insured in Indiana?

Hiring an HVAC technician in Indiana means more than finding someone available, and knowing the licensing and insurance requirements can protect you as a homeowner.

Do AC Repairs Come With A Warranty?

Not every AC repair comes with the same warranty coverage, and knowing what to ask before the work begins can save you from unexpected costs down the road.

How Long Does AC Repair Usually Take?

AC repair timelines vary more than most homeowners expect, and the type of issue involved makes all the difference in how quickly you’ll have cool air again.

Why Does My AC Keep Turning On And Off?

Most AC breakdowns in Indiana’s brutal summers are completely preventable, and this guide walks you through exactly what to watch for and what to do before the hottest night of the year catches you off guard.

Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

A leaking AC is never something to ignore. Whether it’s a clogged drain line, a dirty air filter, or something more serious like a refrigerant leak, the cause matters. Here’s what to look for and how to decide if it’s a DIY fix or time to call a pro.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Loud Noises?

That bang, squeal, or hiss coming from your AC is not something to brush off. Strange noises are your system’s way of flagging a problem before it gets worse. Here’s what each sound means and when it’s time to call a pro.

Why Does My AC Smell Musty or Like Burning?

Something smells off and your AC might be the culprit. A musty odor could mean mold is growing somewhere in your system, while a burning smell might signal an electrical issue that needs quick attention. Here is what different AC odors are trying to tell you.

How Often Do You Really Need to Service Your AC Unit?

How often should you service your AC, and what happens if you skip it? Indiana’s brutal summers demand more from your cooling system than most, and the cost of skipping maintenance adds up fast.

How to Make Sure the Thermostat on Your Furnace Is Correctly Calibrated for Winter

Is your home not reaching the temperature you set, or is your furnace running nonstop? Your thermostat might just need a simple recalibration, and we’ll show you exactly how to do it yourself.

Year-round comfort. One simple plan.

Stay comfortable in every season with regular maintenance, repair savings, and fast service when you need it most.

Learn about Membership