If you’re in the market for a furnace, there are a few questions that will guide your decision-making process. Answering these key questions can make the difference between buying a furnace that is ideal for your specifications and buying one that is inadequate for your needs.
How Large a Furnace Do You Need?
If you are replacing a furnace in your existing house, you might have a general idea of how large the new furnace should be. If you’re building a new home or moving into a house where you need to replace the furnace, answering this question may take a little more effort. In either case, though, it is advisable to speak with an HVAC professional that will ensure your furnace is the ideal size. A furnace unit that is either too large or too small can reduce its longevity and lead to frequent repairs.
How Efficient Is the Furnace You’re Buying?
Efficiency for furnaces is measured based on the percentage of fossil fuel that they convert to usable heat per annum. Simply put, the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, also known as an AFUE rating, denotes the percentage of fuel burned by the furnace that was converted to heat. Efficiencies can range from 80 percent to 98.5 percent. This is a large range to choose from with the only differentiating factor in your selection being price. The higher the efficiency, the more expensive the furnace.
What Are Your Options?
A natural gas furnace is currently considered to be the least expensive way to heat your living space. An oil furnace, although a potent heat source, will release the most pollutants in your home. Electric furnaces are the most efficient in producing heat but are more cost-intensive due to the fact that they convert electricity into heat.
How Much Will Installation Cost?
Installation costs will vary based on the size and type that you choose. If you choose to install a more expensive furnace, it may provide you with energy bill savings that will more than recoup the difference in price from a cheaper unit. Ask an experienced HVAC professional for advice on what is best for your needs and budget.
What Do You Need to Know in Terms of Maintenance?
Regular maintenance is not only necessary for your furnace’s seamless operation but can also increase the longevity of the unit by several years.
If you are a first-time furnace buyer in the Harrisburg, NC area, contact All Temp Co., Inc Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, & Electrical so we can answer your questions and help you find the right furnace for your needs. We also provide reliable air conditioning installation and repair as well as indoor air quality services for residential or commercial HVAC customers.
Call us today, and we’ll help you set up a regular maintenance plan.
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