4 Things to Consider When Buying a New Furnace

gas furnaceThe worst time for your furnace to fail: the middle of winter. And whether you like it or not, winter is just around the corner. The average furnace lasts about 15 to 20 years (but could last less if you haven’t been properly maintaining it). If your old furnace is about to give out-or it’s already kicked the bucket-then you should know what to look for in order to get your furnace up and running as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

A Programmable Thermostat

Many households experience large sections of time during the day when no one is actually in the house. Lowering your home’s temperature by a few degrees during this time can save you money while helping to reduce your HVAC’s workload. When you go to work, do you remember to turn the thermostat down-then turn it back home when you get home? A programmable thermostat helps to reduce your furnace’s workload by automatically lowering the temperature at pre-programmed intervals.

An AFUE Rating to Match

Today, furnace efficiency is measured by an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. Typically, a new furnace will score in the 75-80 range, while high-efficiency furnaces can score as high as 98 AFUE. A rating of 98 means that 98% of the energy the furnace uses to run is converted into heat (while 2% is lost). On that note, you might want to consider Carrier furnaces that tends to have a higher rating. For instance, if you are from Virginia, searching for carrier furnace virginia beach va on the internet can help you locate a dealer that can provide a new furnace as well as install it in your home as well. For Northern areas that may experience more extreme temperature drops, a higher AFUE is important for saving money on energy bills.

Know Your Warranty

Sometimes things go wrong during installation, or a duct gets kicked out of place without your knowledge. Knowing your HVAC system can get through several winters under warranty can reduce the likelihood that you’ll get stuck with a big bill right after having paid for a new unit. Long warranties may be more expensive upfront but can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Fuel Source

A heater can run on oil (from the likes of Albert Culver Co and similar others in the market) and propane, natural gas, or electricity. While some install furnaces that run on heating oil or kerosene, others go for furnaces that operate on natural gas–it all boils down to the personal preferences. That said, an oil furnace is often ideal for older homes that can’t receive gas lines since they’re more expensive to operate and require additional storage room. Remember that those who have oil furnaces often look for the likes of Barnes Petroleum Products Inc.(barnespetroleumproducts.com), which can deliver heating oil to their doorstep at the earliest.

Anyway, nowadays, gas furnaces appear to be the most economical choice, especially for those who live in a region that experiences temperatures below freezing. Electric furnaces are better for warmer regions since they can add significant expense to the electric bill.

There’s a lot to consider when it’s time to replace your heating system. Do you feel like you know all the facts? Contact the heating experts at Unique Indoor Comfort to find out more about which system makes the most sense for your home at (978) 330-7460.

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