High Efficiency Furnace: Everything You Need To Know

Does your old furnace frequently need repairing or seem to get more inefficient every year? Are your monthly energy bills rising?

As energy efficiency has become a hot topic for Calgary homeowners, the furnace is an obvious place to start (or continue) with an energy-and-cost-saving drive. It is one of the biggest energy guzzlers in your home.

High-efficiency furnaces do things that 15- or 20-year old furnaces simply can’t. For starters, they waste far less energy!

But you probably have a few questions:

• How do high-efficiency furnaces differ from traditional ones?
• Are they worth the initial outlay?
• What are the main pros and cons of such furnaces?

The following guide will help answer these questions.

“High-efficiency” is a much-used term with all types of household appliances these days – but what does it mean when it comes to furnaces?

Your furnace will have an energy efficiency rating. This rating tells you how efficient that particular unit is at turning fuel into heat.

The more efficient the unit, the more heat is generated, and the less money wasted in terms of heating dollars spent.

For instance, a 98% efficient furnace is turning 98 cents of every dollar spent on heat into actual heat.

On the other hand, an older 85% efficient unit is wasting 13 cents per dollar spent in comparison to the 98% efficient furnace.

That can make a big difference over the course of one winter. Over the course of a year or five years, inflated energy bills can eat unnecessarily into your finances.

It is advisable, therefore, to consider high-efficiency furnace models that are ENERGY STAR certified by the government. These energy-efficient models do not compromise on quality or performance.

All furnaces serve the same basic purpose: to heat air and distribute it throughout your home. What sets high-efficiency furnaces apart is how effectively they convert fuel into heat—resulting in lower energy use and reduced utility bills.

In Calgary, most high-efficiency furnaces run on natural gas or propane. Compared to older models, they feature two key innovations that boost performance and efficiency:

Thanks to these advanced features, high-efficiency furnaces have helped many Calgary homeowners lower heating costs while reducing their environmental impact.

Let’s weigh up the main benefits and consider if there are any downsides to switching to a high-efficiency gas (or propane) furnace.

One of the biggest advantages of a high-efficiency gas or propane furnace is long-term savings on your utility bills. These modern systems are designed to use significantly less energy than older models—especially those 15 years or older—which means lower heating costs every month.

Although the upfront investment for a high-efficiency furnace and professional installation can be substantial, many homeowners find that the energy savings provide a steady return on that investment over time. With reduced fuel consumption and improved performance, a high-efficiency furnace can essentially pay for itself through monthly bill reductions.

High-efficiency furnaces are built with modern components and advanced technology that make them more reliable and less prone to breakdowns than older units. This means fewer costly repairs, fewer replacement parts, and less stress during the coldest months of the year.

Common issues with aging furnaces—such as faulty ignition systems, airflow blockages, poor heat output, noisy operation, or constant cycling—are typically resolved by upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. These systems are designed to run more smoothly and consistently, reducing wear and tear.

Fewer malfunctions also translate to peace of mind. You’re far less likely to face emergency calls in the middle of winter when furnace repair wait times are longest and your home is rapidly losing heat. With a high-efficiency furnace, your heating system is more dependable when you need it most.

One of the key benefits of a high-efficiency furnace is its positive impact on the environment. By using less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, these furnaces generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions—making them a smart choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

In Calgary, where many residents are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints, upgrading to a high-efficiency natural gas or propane furnace is an effective way to support sustainability goals. It’s a practical investment that helps you lower your household’s energy consumption while contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.

High-efficiency furnaces are typically more compact than older, conventional models. Their streamlined design takes up less space in your utility room, basement, or mechanical area—freeing up room for storage or other equipment.

For homeowners in Calgary looking to maximize usable space, this is a practical advantage. A smaller furnace footprint doesn’t just improve aesthetics—it also makes installation more flexible and maintenance more accessible.

High-efficiency furnaces are built to last—often exceeding the lifespan of older, less efficient models. With proper installation and routine maintenance, you can expect a top-tier energy-efficient furnace to operate reliably for 20 years or more.

At Pete the Plumber, we install only trusted, high-quality brands like Trane, American Standard, and Heil. These manufacturers are known for producing durable, long-lasting furnaces that deliver consistent performance throughout their lifecycle—making them a smart long-term investment for Calgary homeowners.

Because of their longevity, durability, and capacity to save money, high-efficiency furnaces often cost more upfront than conventional furnaces.

Installation costs are manageable but if there are complications with installing the system, such as a difficult-to-reach install site, these costs can rise.

As mentioned, initial outlays are generally recovered by the lower monthly bills over time.

To achieve optimal furnace performance and maximum longevity, it’s important not only to choose the right capacity high-efficiency furnace – but to get it installed professionally by licensed and certified professionals.

At Pete the Plumber, our decades of experience with heating systems can help you select the right unit and install it safely and efficiently.

Of course, all work is backed by our “Superhero guarantee”. We promise 100% satisfaction and round-the-clock emergency service.

It also covers a 12.5 part and labour warranty on all Pete The Plumber’s supplied furnaces.