If you plan on buying a furnace before the weather turns cold this year, you should start doing your homework now.
A lot has changed in the furnace industry over the past couple of decades. Because of the new technologies and industry standards, buying a furnace is not quite as simple as replacing your old one with an identical model.
New Features
There are a number of new furnace features available that you’ll want to research. The new features available with some systems include:
- Dual heat exchangers.
- Variable heat output.
- Variable-speed blowers.
- Intermittent ignition systems.
- Zoned heating systems.
- Extended warranties.
Most of these features are designed to save money by increasing the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) or by reducing long-term maintenance costs. However, the features themselves typically add to the purchase price of the furnace, so you’ll want to weigh long-term savings versus short-term cost.
Sizing Considerations
For best results, you want your furnace to provide exactly the amount of heat your home requires – no more, no less.
If you have upgraded your home with better insulation or windows, your heating needs may be lower than when your current furnace was installed. Also, since today’s furnaces are less wasteful, a smaller furnace can often provide just as much heat as a larger but older model.
Your professional HVAC contractor should perform a Manual J heating load calculation for your home, before helping you choose the right sized system.
Installation
All of the sizing and efficiency calculations will be for naught if the furnace is not installed correctly. A poorly installed furnace will waste energy during the heating process, which means it will burn more fuel and may not be able to keep your home warm. It will also wear out more quickly and may break down more often.
Because of this, it’s important to research HVAC companies and choose a professional installer when buying a furnace. Look for an experienced, licensed company with factory-trained technicians.
If you’re buying a furnace this fall, contact the Dayton area experts at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We’ll be happy to help with your homework.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about buying a furnace and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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