As the Northern Hemisphere enters the warmest time of year, not many thoughts are on home heating solutions. If you\u2019re in need of a new furnace, however, this may be the \u201chot\u201d time to buy. The off-season may create an incentive for some heating contractors to offer furnaces at especially attractive prices.<\/p>\n
Furnaces are not something we buy frequently because they generally last for decades. It\u2019s a good idea, then, to educate yourself on the latest intel about furnaces when the time comes to make this major purchase. Here are some considerations to bear in mind when evaluating furnaces:<\/p>\n
Since most new central-heating systems use gas, which has proven to be a most efficient home-heating fuel, I\u2019ll concentrate on gas units.<\/p>\n
Bigger furnaces are obviously capable of making more heat but a furnace that\u2019s too large for your home\u2019s particular needs wastes energy – and money. A furnace that\u2019s too large for your home will cycle on and off too often, causing ineffective heat distribution. This is because heat will build up within the furnace, triggering the heating element to cycle off before the heated air can be distributed throughout the house. The constant cycling on and off also causes wear and tear on components. Consider your ductwork, too: If your ducts are smaller than they should be for the size of the furnace, airflow through them will prove inefficient and noisy.<\/p>\n
By the same token, a furnace that\u2019s too small won\u2019t do the job for which it was hired.<\/p>\n
To determine the right size furnace for your home, it\u2019s best to leave it to the professionals. A reputable contractor will calculate your home\u2019s furnace specifications using an industry standard, such as is found in “Manual J HVAC Residential Load Calculation” of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. These calculations take into consideration your climate and the size, layout and construction of your house.<\/p>\n
A furnace\u2019s efficiency is represented by its AFUE (Annual Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency) rating. Represented as a percentage, the higher the number, the more heat the furnace can create from each therm of gas.<\/p>\n
While generally speaking, the higher a furnace\u2019s efficiency rating, the higher its purchase price, it’s possible to recover that additional cost over the life of the furnace through the lower fuel bills you\u2019ll enjoy.<\/p>\n
Ask your contractor to use the tools at his disposal (which take into account each furnace\u2019s efficiency and energy consumption, local utility rates and the particulars of your home) to calculate the estimated operating costs of a variety of furnaces in a range of efficiencies. Consider that information as you choose among units, as well as any additional costs that may arise, such as changes to venting that may need to be made.<\/p>\n
You can do a lot on your own to help in the decision-making process. Look online for furnace ratings, service issues or equipment defects that may pertain to the units you\u2019re evaluating. Get in-person recommendations from neighbors who may have a similar-sized home or one that\u2019s built in a similar style to yours.<\/p>\n