If you had hired a furnace service provider to inspect your appliance and they recommended you buy a new furnace you must be wondering, how do I choose a new furnace, right?
Well, there are plenty of factors to pay attention to, to buy the right unit. These factors include:
Climate
Did you know furnaces work differently in different climates? To get the most from the furnace, buy one that is designed for your climate.
If you live in south, southwest and southeast regions of the United States, you experience mild climates, meaning you don’t experience freezing temperatures.
To get the most from your furnace, buy a furnace with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of at least 80. Furnaces with these efficiency levels are more efficient than standard furnaces so they will give you a better experience.
If you don’t enjoy using a furnace, try a heat pump that not only works better at these temperatures but also saves you energy.
Do you live in areas that experience cold and freezing temperatures? You need more power in the winter. This means you need a furnace with stricter efficiency standards.
To save on your heating bill, go for a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90 or higher.
Type of furnace
The other factor to consider when buying a furnace is the type of furnace you are interested in. We have different tastes, so it’s hard to tell you the exact type of furnace you should go for.
The only thing we can do is to give you the most popular furnace types, and you make your choice.
The most popular furnace types are: gas, electric and oil.
Gas furnaces are the most popular, as they are more economical. They come in three major forms:
Single-stage gas furnaces: They feature a gas valve that allows gas to flow at a high rate. They operate at around 80% AFUE and they are best suited for milder climates.
Two-stage gas furnaces: These furnaces are efficient at adjusting the flow and gas from low or high. They often have a thermostat that communicates with the furnace to regulate the temperature.
Modulating gas furnaces: Poised as the most precise furnace types, they are best for colder climates.
Although, they aren’t as economical as gas furnaces, electric furnaces are also a superb choice. They heat the house by moving the air over electric coils and distributing it throughout the house.
Do you live in rural areas where you don’t have access to gas or electric furnaces? You should try out oil furnaces.
Furnace size
Have you ever stepped into a room and you found it too hot? One of the common causes for this is installing a furnace that is too big for the house.
You also might have put the furnace on, but it seems not to be making any difference as the temperatures don’t rise. In such a scenario, it’s because of installing a furnace that is too small for the room.
When the furnace is too big or too small for a room, it overworks, putting it to an early grave.
To avoid this, take your time and ensure you buy the right-sized unit for your home. To avoid making the mistake of buying the wrong size, get the input of an HVAC specialist.
Fuel source
As mentioned above, most furnaces are electric, gas, or oil-powered. If you have a natural gas line in your home, you are better off with a gas-powered furnace, as the installation work won’t be too expensive.
Gas furnaces are also cheaper to run in the long run, and they are less messy than oil furnaces.
If you don’t have a gas supply line in your area, oil is the next best alternative.
Although, electricity is available in most parts of the United States, you should go for electric furnaces as a last resort. This is because they are expensive to maintain. They also aren’t effective at heating larger homes.
If you aren’t sure of the right appliance to settle for, consult an expert furnace repair services Falls Church. The professionals will not only help you pick the right appliance but also help you maintain it so it keeps its splendid shape for years if not decades.
