An efficient furnace can help a family stay warm and comfortable in winter when the chilly weather reigns outdoors. However, homeowners only buy furnaces once every few years, so they wonder what they should consider when selecting a furnace besides the price.
Choosing a furnace seems like a balancing act where buyers consider one factor without overlooking its effect on the other factors. These factors include efficiency, safety, size, and cost-effectiveness. But weighing the furnace options is usually easier said than done. This article will help furnace buyers select the best one for their home.
Furnace Type
Depending on fuel availability and convenience, homeowners can choose between gas and electric furnaces. If they live in areas with mild winters, a single-stage gas furnace can serve the purpose, but they might need a two-stage furnace or a modulating furnace if they live in areas with extreme winters.
The two-stage gas furnace offers better control, leading to improved efficiency. The modulating gas heater is ideal for colder climates because it is more efficient and provides precise temperature control.
Homeowners seeking furnace installation services can also choose electric furnaces. They heat the air using electric coils and spread it throughout the house.
As expected, electric heaters are less efficient and can work in areas with very cold and mild winters. Oil furnaces are not very common but might be a good option for areas with poor access to gas and electricity.
Energy Efficiency
Homeowners must learn how to read the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), usually indicated on gas and electric furnaces. The Federal Trade Commission requires all heater manufacturers to indicate AFUE ratings to help buyers make informed decisions.
However, the interpretation of the rating is what separates the wheat and the chaff. A gas furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% means it loses 10% to the environment, which seems like a significant loss. On the other hand, an electric heater might have a rating of 95% or 100%, which means it loses little or no energy to the environment.
Since electricity costs more than gas, a gas furnace with a rating of 90% is more cost-effective in the long run than an electric heater with an AFUE of 100%. So, gas furnaces are usually more efficient to run than electric furnaces.
Furnace Size
The size of the furnace can affect its efficiency and reliability. A big home with a small furnace might run continuously and not heat all the rooms. So, the occupants of those rooms will feel cold despite having a functional furnace.
On the other hand, a big furnace serving a small house will produce more heat than needed, leading to energy loss. The best size depends on many factors, so homeowners should involve HVAC contractors. They determine the appropriate size after evaluating the size of the house, ceiling height, insulation type, number of users, and the number and size of the windows.
Safety Features
Gas furnaces can expose a home to fire risk if the gas leaks. Therefore, safety features such as flame sensors and carbon monoxide detectors help protect the occupants from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
The safe limit switch turns off the furnace if the internal temperature exceeds the safe level. Therefore, homeowners should ask about safety features and learn how each feature works to choose the best furnace.
These are the most important considerations to help homeowners select the best furnace. However, this list is not exhaustive, so homeowners should consult HVAC contractors. A seasoned HVAC installer will help property owners consider all the options and pick the best furnace.