Seize the Opportunity.
High-efficiency propane furnaces (meaning an AFUE rating ≥ 90) are becoming more popular in U.S. homes because they deliver energy savings and comfort at an affordable first cost. In some regions, high-efficiency furnaces are the most commonly installed system for new homes. The question of whether to select a high-efficiency furnace — for either a new home or a system replacement — often comes down to first costs, resident comfort, and ease of installation. This guide explains these factors to builders, contractors, and homeowners so they can make the best choice for their projects.
APPLIANCE SELECTION
THE SITUATION
ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP COMPARISONS
Electric heat pumps can’t compare. Electric heat pumps are often offered as a comparable option to propane furnaces; however there are key differences in costs and performance.
THE OPPORTUNITY
COST, COMFORT, CARBON
They’re the three C’s of a propane furnace. PERC analysis shows lower first costs (equipment + installation) for propane furnace systems (with central A/C) in new homes compared with standard heat pumps.
The simple sidewall venting of a high-efficiency propane furnace makes for an easy replacement of a heat pump, meaning heat pump owners can install a replacement propane furnace to take advantage of these benefits, too.
Propane furnaces provide warmer air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22 percent when compared with electric heat pumps, particularly in areas where electricity is produced by coal-fired power plants.
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FURNACE EFFICIENCY
THE SITUATION
DEPRECIATING EFFICIENCY
New furnaces can still be as low as 78 AFUE — or 78 percent efficient. And without regular maintenance, they can lose up to 1 percent efficiency each year.
THE OPPORTUNITY
YEARLY COST SAVINGS
Propane furnaces with ratings of 90 AFUE or higher can save homeowners roughly $300 to $800 per year, compared with current standard efficiency units.
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SYSTEM DESIGN
THE SITUATION
OVER-SIZED FURNACES
Many existing homes have grossly over-sized heating oil or propane furnaces, resulting in heating systems which blast warm air — almost too quickly — when the thermostat calls for heat.
And older furnaces that vent upward through a metal exhaust flue can allow heated air to escape even when the furnace isn’t operating.
THE OPPORTUNITY
APPROPRIATELY SIZED FURNACES
When a furnace is sized for the home’s actual heating load, it offers greater comfort with what is often a smaller and less expensive furnace.
To do this, an HVAC contractor will perform a Heat Load Calculation, which takes into account changes in the home like additions, a finished basement, adding insulation to the attic, etc.
New furnaces should be sized based on the unit’s output capacity, which is greater for high-efficiency furnaces than for lower efficiency units.
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FIRST COSTS NEW CONSTRUCTION
THE SITUATION
STICKER SHOCK
Even though a propane furnace is 90 percent efficient and can lower utility bills and enhance comfort, the system’s first cost is often the biggest decision-making factor.
THE OPPORTUNITY
FIRST COST IS A WASH
The total installed cost of a high-efficiency furnace is often lower than, or equal to, less efficient (80 AFUE and lower) furnaces.
A key cost-saving feature of the high-efficiency propane furnace is its ability to use a less expensive plastic vent pipe that is typically simpler to install.
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FIRST COSTS REPLACEMENTS
THE SITUATION
BENEFITS VS. FIRST COST
In homes with older furnaces where a new high-efficiency replacement system is an option, contractors and homeowners will weigh the high-efficiency furnace’s benefits versus its first cost.
THE OPPORTUNITY
ENERGY SAVINGS WIN OUT
Any jump in the installed cost of a high-efficiency replacement furnace will typically be made up for in the first heating season based on energy savings. A new, appropriately sized furnace will help limit any cost increases too.
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INSTALLATION
THE SITUATION
VENTING*
High-efficiency propane furnaces need to be vented to the outdoors through a horizontal vent. This may differ from the existing heating oil or propane furnace that is being replaced.
THE OPPORTUNITY
A SINGLE, SIMPLE SOLUTION
HVAC installers can use concentric venting, which is a single pipe containing an inner exhaust vent and an outer intake vent for the air used in the propane furnace’s combustion. This allows installers to make just one penetration through the building shell to the outdoors. And since it’s typically plastic, rather than metal, the pipe stays cool-to-the-touch.
“OPEN” FLOOR PLAN FLEXIBILITY
If an old, vertical exhaust flue running upward through the house is no longer needed after a high-efficiency propane furnace is installed, it can open up a home’s floor plan. Building chases that hide exhaust flues can be reclaimed for extra floor space. And sealing these exhaust flues reduces air leakage and energy losses in the home.
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THE SITUATION
CONDENSATE*
High efficiency furnaces gain part of their efficiency from extracting heat from hot combustion gasses. As these gasses cool, condensation can
form and must be drained.
THE OPPORTUNITY
STRAIGHTFORWARD DRAINAGE
Furnace condensate can often be run to an existing drain in the vicinity of the furnace (such as an A/C condensate drain), drained to outdoors, or pumped to the building exterior using a condensate pump.
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THE SITUATION
“ORPHANED” WATER HEATERS*
When a replacement high-efficiency propane furnace is installed with sidewall venting, or if the old furnace shared an exhaust flue with a water heater, the water heater is considered “orphaned.”
Orphaned water heaters must not be vented alone into a previously shared flue without ensuring that the flue meets appropriate NFPA requirements under its new condition and the water heater passes all required combustion safety tests. Re-lining of the exhaust flue may be necessary.
THE OPPORTUNITY
ADOPT YOUR BEST OPTION
If the electric or propane water heater is at least seven years old, consider replacing it as well.
Option 1: Install a new power-vented propane storage tank water heater (which can be side-wall vented) and then seal off the exhaust flue altogether.
Option 2: Install a propane-fueled tankless water heater, which offers best-in-class efficiency, very high hot water output rates, and floor space savings.
Option 3: Install an integrated “combi” system that uses a high-efficiency propane tankless and a hydronic air handler to provide both water heating and space heating. The air handler supplies heat to the home by circulating air over a water-to-air heat exchanger heated by the tankless unit. Then, the furnace is no longer needed!
* In all cases, be sure to check with local building code requirements and equipment manufacturer specifications.
