The furnace is the beating heart of the house. It is what spreads warmth and comfort throughout the home to keep you cozy during winter. While progress has been made from the age of gathering around fireplaces to keep warm to enjoying the warmth from anywhere in the house, your choice of fireplace will determine the amount of comfort you enjoy. There are several steps you have to take when searching for the best furnace.
Consider Size of Your Home
The first step you need to take is knowing the size of your home. This information will come in handy when you contact an HVAC company for a new furnace. If you buy a furnace that is too small, it will end up overworking to meet the heating needs of your home. This will result in constant breakdowns and poor heating. A furnace that is too big will require you to constantly adjust it to maintain the desired temperature. To determine the best furnace, you need to consider the size of your home, outdoor climate and insulation. If you need help with these calculations, you can contact an HVAC specialist for help.
Think about the Source of Fuel
The next step is considering which fuel is the best. Needless to say, the type of fuel a furnace uses will have a significant impact on the cost of running it. Each fuel type has its pros and cons. While electricity is readily available, it is more expensive to run an electric furnace than it is to run a gas furnace. If you are in a secluded area, you can go for an oil furnace. The oil can be stored onsite in tanks.
The efficiency of the Model
With the cost of living going up each year, there is no room for wastage. When buying a furnace, you need one that is energy efficient. Focus on the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of a furnace before buying. An AFUE rating of between 80% and 90% is considered to be the best. You can also ask the HVAC company if the furnace they supply is equipped with other efficiency technologies. Make sure you understand how those technologies help.
Ease of Installation
Buying a new furnace is not cheap. The last thing you want is to spend a fortune getting it installed. Prior to purchasing a furnace, get to know the utilities and infrastructures that will be needed. If you are simply replacing your old furnace, getting one that is compatible with the existing infrastructure will save you a great deal of money. All in all, it is good to note that an improper installation of a furnace will lead to unwanted expenses in the near future.
Maintenance Expectations
Last but not least, you need to consider the maintenance expectations of your target furnace. Each type of furnace will require regular maintenance. While you can take care of a few things, you will need an HVAC professional to take care of other issues. Find a furnace that is low maintenance.
Are you in the market for a furnace, or do you need help choosing the best one? Air Makers Inc. can help you make the most informed choice. The team will also help with the installation and maintenance of your furnace.
Photo: Matthieu Joannon, Unsplash
