Why Choose an ENERGY STAR - Qualified Furnace?

Posted: 2018-12-11

A Spotlight on the Lennox EL296E Gas, a High-Efficiency, Two-Stage Gas Furnace

Because of the rise in environmental concerns and skyrocketing energy costs, the United States Department of Energy demands manufacturers to create more efficient heating and cooling systems. In 2013, the government issued a decree that all furnaces should at least have an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of 80 percent. This means that furnaces that are being sold on the market should convert a minimum of 80 percent of their fuel to heat a home.

That’s what the U.S. government demands. However, ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces go above and beyond the minimum requirement. ENERGY STAR is managed by both the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. They set the standards for manufacturers producing products that use energy. A manufacturer must pass certain guidelines approved by both of these agencies in order to earn the ENERGY STAR logo. In addition, these furnaces must gain credibility for using the ENERGY STAR label on their products. Professional and governmental organizations such as ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) will also test the standards and specifications of any furnace maker that wants to receive the ENERGY STAR certification.

Going for an ENERGY STAR-approved furnace means you are getting a product that has a much higher efficiency rating that meets specific criteria as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. These furnaces will save you in the long term, covering the higher cost of initial investment. Not only does an ENERGY STAR-qualified furnace help you save money, but it is also much safer to use than standard heating systems. For added energy-efficiency, you can improve your home’s insulation, which limits the amount of heated air that escapes from your home.

In other words, when you choose an ENERGY STAR-certified furnace and take steps to optimize its performance, you can improve your home’s comfort while saving energy in the process. This results in lower energy costs as it also protects the climate by helping prevent harmful carbon pollution and reducing other greenhouse gases.

Features of the Lennox EL296E

Its Power Saver™ motor operates at constant torque to help maintain consistent airflow. Power Saver technology not only provides energy boost capabilities improving the overall system efficiency, similar to a variable speed furnace but also delivers higher SEER ratings in cooling mode. In continuous fan mode, this technology helps keep energy waste to a minimum.

Compared to older, low-efficiency models, the EL296E has an efficiency rating of 96 percent AFUE that can save you hundreds of dollars in heating costs per year.

The EL296E also has the capacity to make your home feel better during summer months. By operating at its lower speed, air spends more time in contact with the outside coil, the cooling engine of your air-conditioning unit. This helps reduce moisture levels inside your home to enhance your comfort.

When paired with a Lennox® heat pump, the EL296E creates a system that can automatically alternate between electricity and gas fuel to keep you warm. So you’re always using the most energy-efficient way to keep comfortable.

Its Two-Stage Gas Valve operates at a lower heating output for efficiency, switching to a higher output only when needed.

Every component of the EL296E has proven itself through extensive testing in our research labs. So you can take comfort knowing the furnace will deliver reliable performance, season after season.

With product registration, the EL296E may be eligible for a 10-year Limited Extended Warranty. Lennox also offers a 5-year Limited Warranty on covered parts and Limited Lifetime Warranty on the Heat Exchanger.

Only Work with Trusted Heating Experts

Four Seasons Air Specialists is a leading heating company in Shore View, MN that is authorized by Lennox to offer a wide variety of their innovative furnaces, including the EL296E.

We can guarantee a proper installation of your brand new furnace and ensure that it works according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Our technicians are factory-trained and have multiple years of experience, giving you a level of service that is practically unmatched.

We are your Circle Pines your heating and air conditioning, especially your furnace installation contractor serving you for over four decades.