Replacing an old furnace can be a challenging task if you are unfamiliar with the process. Even if you’ve gone through it before, technology has advanced to such a degree in recent years that your choices of furnace brands, types and efficiencies are much wider than they used to be. Making the right choice can bring several benefits, including substantially lower energy costs, cleaner indoor air, and much improved indoor comfort.
How to Select a New Furnace
There are several important factors that you should consider when selecting a new furnace, including:
Fuel type. Since gas is the most commonly using fuel for heating, odds are that your current furnace is fueled by gas. If this is the case, upgrading to another gas furnace is probably your best bet. It won’t require extensive retrofitting to add exhaust pipes and vents or gas-line connections, though some modifications will be required if you choose a high-efficiency condensing furnace. Over the long term, the added cost of installing a condensing furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90 percent or above will pay you back in lower energy bills for the life of the system. The higher the AFUE percentage rating, the more efficiently the furnace will convert fuel into heat.
Selecting a contractor. It’s important to take the time to select a reputable contractor. To start off, get recommendations for reliable and competent contractors from neighbors, friends or family. Online reviews also can be a good source of information, though you’ll want to also ask for references from the contractor. Ask to see references starting with certain letters of the alphabet so you can increase the likelihood of getting random opinions.
Get the right size for your home. In the HVAC business, size does matter, so it’s critical to select a heating system that will fit your home, not just with regard to size and layout but considering a multitude of other factors as well. A system that’s too small will not provide enough heat during the coldest days. A unit that’s too large will cycle on and off frequently, increasing energy costs, adding wear to components, and resulting in an inconsistent distribution of heat. Your contractor should perform a Manual J heating load calculation to determine the proper capacity for your home.
For additional tips on how to select a new furnace and any furnace-related issues, please contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today. We have been servicing the Greater Indianapolis area for over 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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