The time is not too far when the furnaces will be running at their full capacity to keep our home environment comfortable. If you are looking to invest in a new heating system, now is probably the right time to do so. A furnace might need replacement if it’s past its effective date (more than 15years), needs frequent and expensive repairs, performs poorly, has not been maintained regularly by an HVAC professional, or the energy-efficiency has declined significantly.
Whether looking to upgrade the old furnace or install a new one, there are a few factors that need consideration before hitting the stores:
SYSTEM TYPE
When shopping for a new furnace, the first thing to consider is the type of system required to heat the home. The type of heating system can be divided based on the fuel it needs to operate.
- Natural gas- The most popular type of residential heating system is the gas furnace, as it is quite affordable and readily available. Gas furnaces use natural gas to heat and are best for areas with long winters.
- Oil- These are quite popular in the Northeast or areas with no gas availability. They require space to accommodate an indoor oil storage tank, are messy, and a bit expensive to operate due to the rising oil prices.
- Electric- electric furnaces are economical to buy, require less space, and have high energy efficiency, but are uneconomical to maintain and operate due to high electricity costs. Go for an electric-powered heat pump instead.
FURNACE SIZE
The right furnace size depends on factors like the climate, home size, insulation, and ceiling height. It is essential to choose the right-sized furnace as an under-sized system won’t meet the heating needs, and an oversized one will be inefficient and have high operational costs. Contact an HVAC professional for furnace sizing assistance to ensure better system performance and increased comfort.
ENERGY-EFFICIENCY
Energy-efficiency is one of the critical considerations when buying a new furnace. The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings can help in comparing the efficiency of different models. Higher AFUE ratings mean greater furnace efficiency. While a highly efficient furnace may have a high upfront cost, they lead to savings over time due to reduced heating bills.
ADVANCED FEATURES
The HVAC industry has seen a lot of technological advancement over the years. New furnaces are now available with several advanced features like variable speed-blowers, premium filters for better air quality, adjustable heat output, dual heat exchangers, two-stage gas valve, advanced ignition system for improved comfort and energy savings. Look for these high-end features while buying a new heating system.
ZONING
A zoned heating system benefits larger homes, as it allows you to divide the house into different zones and then regulate their temperatures using individual thermostats. It means maintaining different temperatures in separate parts of the house as and when required.
PRICE
A furnace doesn’t come cheap. Along with the furnace price, it is essential to budget other expenses like installation costs, labor costs, and additional fixes required to ensure optimal system efficiency.
Some other essential furnace buying considerations include the warranty, rebates and incentives, and ideal purchase time (spring or fall).
Buying a new, reliable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient furnace will not be that difficult if you consider the factors mentioned above. Don’t forget to hire a skilled and experienced HVAC contractor to ensure a quality installation.
Hacienda Air is a locally owned HVAC company offering air conditioning, heating, ductwork, air quality, and more to residential and commercial customers in North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding areas. Callus today at (702) 935-2749.
