Replacing a Furnace is a major investment for homeowners. Knowing what to consider when purchasing a new central heating system will help you make the best choice for your home. Choosing the best furnace depends on an understanding of 5 main areas.
1.The Size of Your Home
Knowing the dimensions of your home is key to selecting a heating system that operates at maximum efficiency with the lowest possible energy costs while providing a very high level of comfort.
An over-sized furnace will be more expensive to buy and less efficient to operate. Typical problems include overheating one room, rapid cycling, quickly dissipating heat in poorly insulated, drafty areas and reduced life overall. In this case the oversized furnace will not heat all of the rooms in your home. Quick blasts of hot air indicate to the thermostat optimal temperature is reached prematurely. Since the furnace is turning on and off more rapidly that normal, gas prices are higher and money is not saved.
An undersized furnace is problematic as it will not heat your home properly and will be constantly running. In this scenario your furnace may take a lot longer to raise the temperature in your home increasing utility bills and making the unit run excessively causing it to wear down sooner.
Heating and Cooling professionals like Reader Heating and Cooling in Cleveland use various load calculations to determine the optimal furnace size for your home. The measurements are in BTUs and your licensed HVAC contractor will be interested in your floor plan to help with all measurements and calculations.
2.The Space Around Your Furnace::
The furnace space is an overlooked consideration in many cases. It is assumed that a new energy efficient unit will fit into the old space with no changes to the duct work. There are two main considerations to be aware of… building codes & manufacturer requirements. Building codes may vary from city to city but they allow for the safe operation of your new HVAC Central heating system. Your licensed professional can advise you as to your exact city’s (and state’s!) guidelines and manufacturers requirements. Keep in mind your furnace needs space around it in order to get proper air intake.
3.The Efficiency Rating of the Furnace:
Understanding energy efficiency ratings helps you control operating costs. How efficiently a furnace converts gas into heat is reflected in its annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is measured as a percentage. A furnace made in the early 1970’s may have an energy efficient rating of 65%. In 2014 the lowest rating would be 80% with the most efficient units operating at 97%. Furnace prices rise with the level of efficiency. But this is offset with less gas consumption in the harsh and abrasive winters of Cleveland. Also an energy star designation recognizes the most efficient furnaces. These cutting edge models are easy to spot and are known for energy efficiency, often times government tax rebates are available.
4.Cost of the Furnace
The cost of the furnace depends on several of the factors discussed so far. The size of your home and the selection of the best furnace to meet your needs are your main criteria. Prices fluctuate based on BTUs, energy efficiency ratings, blower speeds, manufacturer warranties and brand. Another consideration in cost include the type of furnace and these factors are more for convenience to the homeowner.
Single stage– This type of furnace has only one stage – it is “on” or “off”.
Two Stage– There are two stages of operation with this furnace full speed or half speed.
Modulating– This type of furnace can modulate the heat output and air velocity nearly continuously.
5.Labor Costs
Labor costs fluctuate in the market based on licensing, contractor experience, reputation, scheduling and levels of expertise. You are encouraged to shop around but we recommend you consider a company whose reputation is firmly established. As a consumer you should be able to find testimonials of satisfied customers before making the very important decision to install your furnace.
