How To Choose A New Furnace

Blog

Check the AFUE and Energy Star Ratings

There are two main ratings that you need to keep in mind when installing a new furnace. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating indicates the efficiency of the furnace. The closer this number is to 100 percent, the more efficient the furnace's fuel use and the less it costs to run. Energy Star is a rating that is given to furnace models that have a high AFUE rating as well as high-efficiency blower motors and other components. Often, the energy star rating also includes a projected annual cost for using the furnace in your home, which can make it easier to compare similar models.

Know Your BTU Needs

BTU is the heat output measurement used in furnaces. Your furnace installation service can help you navigate these measurements for your home. Square footage of the area to be heated has the most impact on the BTU needed in a new furnace, but the climate can also have an impact. For example, in cold winter regions of the northeast US one should choose a furnace that provides 50 to 60 BTUs per square foot, whereas in the warmer southern US one may only need a furnace that provides 30 to 35 BTUs per square foot. Choosing a furnace with insufficient BTUs can mean uneven cooling and a harder working furnace, which may wear out more quickly. Yet, if you purchase a furnace with too high of a BTU output, then the furnace will run inefficiently and waste energy.

Consider Your Fuel Source

Often, people simply install a furnace that uses the same fuel source as their previous furnace but this may not be the best idea. For example, if you are running off an old oil furnace, it may be time to consider an update to electric or natural gas heating. A different fuel source may be less expensive and more convenient, plus you won't have to deal with oil delivery any longer. There are other reasons to consider a fuel source change beyond convenience, such as efficiency and fuel cost. If you are considering a fuel change, work closely with your installer so you can make the most informed choice.

Verify Maintenance Needs

Finally, take some time to check the maintenance and repair needs of your furnace. Professional reviews from consumer reporting and industry agencies can help you narrow down your options to models with good repair records so you can avoid those models and manufacturers with known issues. It's also important to know what type of furnace maintenance is expected of the homeowner as well as the recommended professional tuneup and maintenance schedule of the particular furnace.

For more information about heating installation, reach out to an HVAC contractor near you.

Share

24 March 2020