Gas Furnaces

What Does AFUE Mean?

AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This rating system gives you a quick way to see how cost-effective an HVAC unit is.

Older, lower-tier furnaces typically have an AFUE of 56 to 70 percent. That means little more than half of the fuel they consume gets used. Not exactly the most productive use of resources. Fortunately, furnaces have come a long way since then, burning as high as 98.5 percent AFUE.

How Much Money Can a New Furnace Save You?

Our AFUE energy savings calculator can help determine how much you could save on your utility bills. Just enter your current unit’s AFUE value and compare it to a newer, more efficient system.

Environmentally Friendly

A new furnace does more than save you money on energy costs—it lowers your home’s carbon emissions. Switching out from your old 56 percent AFUE clunker to a 90 percent AFUE efficiency model can reduce your carbon footprint by a significant margin, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

What Is a Variable-Speed Furnace?

Single-stage furnaces only blow hot air at one speed. They are the most affordable upfront—but the most expensive to operate. Additionally, they have the most temperature variance, sometimes a 4 to 6 degree difference between rooms.

Two-stage furnaces can distribute hot air at a full-speed or half-speed setting. This allows for more comfort and efficiency without breaking the bank.

Variable-speed furnaces have fully dynamic and responsive blower speeds. This is the most energy-efficient option by far. Also, your home will be a near-uniform temperature, within a fraction of a difference between all rooms.

How Does a Furnace Work?

Gas furnaces heat using combustion. Once you set your thermostat, your furnace gets to work.

The ignitor lights the gas. Newer models use an electric starter to ignite, while older models use a pilot flame.

The combustion chamber lets in oxygen. This keeps the combustion efficient and clean. It also gets rid of byproducts, sending them through your flue.

The heat exchanger captures the heat rising from the combustion chamber. It has metal tubes that warm up. The heat from the tubes gets distributed through your air ducts with blowers.

Furnace Installation and Replacement

Need a new heating system installed? We can help with that. At Smart Air, our team of highly trained experts is ready to modernize your home comfort.

From start to finish, it’s a collaborative process:

• First, we’ll take measurements to determine the appropriate size of the heating system for your home.
• Next, we’ll assist as you find the model that meets your personal preferences and budget.
• Then, we’ll give you an accurate estimate.

The average installation takes four to eight hours. However, the timeframe may increase if you need additional air ducts put in or work done on your wires or gas lines.

Be sure to ask about our convenient financing options to purchase the HVAC equipment your family deserves. Ready to get started? Give us a call.

Furnace Repair

Are you having furnace troubles? Common symptoms include:

• Short cycling
• Patchy heat or no heat at all
• Strange sounds

It gets cold here in Texas, so we take repair calls seriously. Our experts are committed to solving the problem and making a long-lasting repair—no band-aid solutions. As an added protection, we offer repair warranties.

HVAC equipment always seems to break down at the wrong time! No worries—we offer 24/7 emergency response services to be there right when you need us.

Furnace Maintenance

Schedule a fall tune-up to keep your heating system running at peak efficiency all winter. It’s also critical for your safety—a professional needs to check your heat exchanger for any cracks that could lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Your specialist will also perform vital cleaning that helps extend the lifespan of your equipment. Schedule maintenance today. Or sign up for one of our [company-plans] to receive reminders, priority service, discounts, and more.

What Brands of Furnace Do You Recommend?

While Smart Air repairs and maintains all types of furnaces, we recognize a few brands that stand out in the industry. They are below.

American Standard

American Standard gas furnaces are built around a "no-fail" philosophy, featuring the Duration™ Silicon Nitride Igniter, which is significantly more durable than the igniters found in standard units. Their high-efficiency models utilize a heavy-duty, stainless steel primary heat exchanger that is designed to withstand the stress of rapid temperature changes without cracking. If you want a "built-like-a-tank" furnace that offers straightforward, reliable warmth year after year, American Standard is the gold standard for durability.

Carrier

Carrier furnaces are the brains of the heating world, specifically when paired with their Infinity® System Control. Their top-tier models feature a modulating gas valve, which allows the furnace to adjust its heat output in tiny increments rather than just being "all on" or "all off." This results in incredibly consistent temperatures and whisper-quiet operation. When matched with a Carrier AC, the furnace's variable-speed blower motor also works to improve your home’s dehumidification during the summer, making it a year-round comfort asset.

Mitsubishi Electric (Intelli-HEAT™)

While Mitsubishi is famous for electric heating, they have revolutionized the gas furnace market with the intelli-HEAT™ Dual Fuel System. This technology allows you to keep the reliable, "high-heat" punch of a gas furnace for the coldest nights while adding a high-efficiency electric heat pump for the rest of the year. The system intelligently switches between gas and electric based on which is more cost-effective at that moment. It is the perfect solution for Austin homeowners who want to modernize their home’s efficiency without giving up the peace of mind of a gas backup.