With the winter season quickly approaching, you might have recently learned you need a new furnace if you hope to make it through the colder months of the year without freezing inside your own home. Before calling up a furnace installation service, there are a few factors of which you should be made aware that impact how much you can expect to pay as well as the overall performance you can expect from your new furnace.
Think About Overall Efficiency First
While you’re looking over the prices of new furnaces, be sure you consider how efficient they are. A more efficient furnace might cost more initially, but you’ll likely be able to save more over the years. If you can, opt for an Energy Star brand furnace, which is designed specifically with efficiency in mind. Also, the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, also known as AFUE, will give you an idea of how efficient the model is; the higher the AFUE-rating, the better.
Choose the Right Contractor
Not only does the contractor who initially installs your furnace play a part in your initial costs, your contractor also plays a part in your long-term furnace costs. This is because a properly installed furnace works better and longer than a furnace tha’s poorly installed, which can lead to unnecessary repairs in the future as well as a furnace that doesn’t last as long as it should. Be sure you go with an experienced and licensed contractor to install your new furnace and keep it up and running over the years.
On a related note, the overall labor required to install your new furnace also impacts your final price. Depending on where you live, you might need a permit to install your furnace, which also adds to the price. Be sure you get the full picture and all additional costs when gathering quotes.
Pay Attention to the Size of Your Furnace
Before you choose a new furnace that’s the same size as your current one, you want to make sure you have the right size furnace for your home. Models that are too big or too small don’t work as efficiently, and you’re more likely to spend more than you have to when warming up your home. Something else to bear in mind when it comes to the size of your new furnace is getting one that’s the wrong size might result in burning through the appliances life faster than necessary, which means you’ll end up buying another one sooner than necessary.
Pay Attention to Furnace Features When Making Your Decision
As you’re looking over furnace brands, sizes and prices, take note of any features the furnaces have. Such features might include:
- A speed handler
- A zoning system
- An air filtration system to reduce the number of allergens blowing through your vents
- Two-stage heating
- Dual heat exchangers
- Programmable thermostat, which goes a long way in making your furnace operate more efficiently while keeping your heating costs low
- Be sure you ask about additional features the furnace has and compare them with those that are the most beneficial to you and your specific needs.
Furnace Types
Furnace technology has come a long way over the years, and there are more options for you to choose from than ever. If your home doesn’t have vents, storage tanks or fuel pipes, you’re likely better off with an electric furnace. While they are among the least expensive furnace options, they are also the least efficient.
While gas furnace models are more efficient than electric models, they’re more expensive, and you have to install gas lines if you don’t already have them. If you like, you can convert your gas furnace to a propane one.
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when getting a new furnace. Put these tips to good use, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals.
