Table of Contents
What are Furnaces?
Furnaces are a must for keeping our homes warm in the cold season. As a homeowner, you need to consider many things before purchasing, such as the size of your home and what fuel sources are available in your area. Gas furnaces are great for their energy efficiency and low operating costs, but oil and propane furnaces have their own advantages too.
When shopping for a furnace, look at the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. Also, make sure that a licensed HVAC contractor installs and maintains it for maximum performance and safety.
Think about if you want a single-stage or multi-stage model, what type of blower motor you need, if zoning options are right for different living spaces in your home, and what type of warranty coverage you’re comfortable with.
When replacing an old furnace, check for rebates or incentives from companies or government programs like Smo Energy. Experienced technicians can provide you with accurate estimates of installation and repair costs.
Purchasing a furnace can be pretty straightforward if you know what you’re looking for. Do your research and read product reviews. Know the signs of needing repairs or replacement, like strange flame patterns or particulates in air vents. This way you can buy one that will keep your family warm and save money on energy bills.
Types of Furnaces
Picking a furnace can be daunting, with gas, electric, oil and propane types amongst the most common. Here’s a quick run-down of each, to help you make the right choice for your home.
- Gas: Natural gas-fuelled furnaces are the most efficient, with an AFUE rating up to 98.5%. Heat is produced and distributed through ductwork.
- Electric: Electricity is used to produce heat, channeled through a blower and ductwork. Operating costs are higher than gas.
- Oil: Heating oil is the fuel source with a fuel utilization efficiency of 85-95%. A separate storage tank might be needed for service.
- Propane: Similar to natural gas furnaces but uses propane as its fuel source.
Air quality should also be taken into account when buying a furnace. The Carrier Infinity series furnace has a special air filtration system to keep your home air clean.
Size is key; consider the square footage of the living areas you want to heat. Check for rebates or incentives in your area related to energy savings products. Seek professional HVAC contractor advice to guarantee a proper install.
Secure your family’s comfort during the cold days with the right furnace. Don’t miss out on energy savings, incentives or repairs for outdated or faulty systems!
Choosing the Right Furnace
Image: Electric Furnace
Choosing the right furnace for your home can be tricky. We’ll make it easier by simplifying the process!
Different furnaces have different features. Gas and oil furnaces are great options; they provide warmth quickly. Electric furnaces cost more to use. Propane furnaces are expensive upfront, but save energy in the long run. Efficiency, size, warranty, and installation cost are all important factors to consider.
Remember to factor in the size of your home too. A unit that’s too small won’t heat your house well, while one that’s too big is a waste of energy. An HVAC contractor can help you pick the right size based on square footage and living areas.
Incentives and rebates can help with costs. And, old heating equipment may need upgrades or repairs. Have a professional technician do the installation and operation of your heating system.
In conclusion, the right furnace will improve comfort and save energy. Think about what fuel source, efficiency rating, size, and installation cost are best for you. Plus, add a programmable thermostat to your list for extra convenience!
Additional Features to Consider
To equip yourself with all the info you need for a great furnace purchase decision, there are extra features to think about. Here’s the scoop:
| Feature | Description |
| AFUE Rating | The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating tells you how efficient a furnace is at turning fuel into heat. The higher the rating, the better. |
| Two-Stage Furnace | A two-stage furnace provides low and high heating output options, depending on your needs. This could save you energy and give you better temp control. |
| Zoning System | With a zoning system, you can control the temp in different rooms. This could help you save energy and stay comfy. |
Besides these features, you must also consider factors like the size of your living area and square footage. Plus, check if any incentives or rebates are available for certain products or upgrades.
For max energy savings and air quality, aim for a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90%. Two-stage furnaces provide flexibility and cost savings, while zoning systems give you greater control.
For the best outcome, talk to an experienced HVAC contractor or dealer. They’ll know what’s best for you. By taking extra features into account and investing in maintenance, your furnace will run efficiently and safely for many years.
Buying a Furnace
Buying a furnace can be a daunting task for homeowners.
As an HVAC expert, here are five factors to consider:
- Fuel source: Gas or oil? Consider availability and cost in your region. Gas furnaces are more efficient, but need natural gas.
- Size: Choose the right size by assessing the square footage of the living area and air quality requirements.
- Eco-friendliness: Pick a high-efficiency furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% or higher. Save energy bills and reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
- System type: Single-stage or variable-stage? Consider budget and desired comfort level.
- HVAC contractor: Select an experienced contractor to install and service the new heating system.
Propane furnaces are also available. Electric furnaces are there, but operating costs are high. Consult a Carrier dealer for rebates and incentives.
Cost is key when purchasing a furnace. You want to get the most energy savings, while providing warmth in the home. Upgrade correctly to get potential savings.
Look into Smo Energy expert reviews. Also, check out customer reviews and product warranties from different companies. Don’t forget about zoning, which creates customized areas for maximum efficiency. And, for a surefire installation and service, nothing was left to chance!
Installation and Service
It’s important to pick a reliable HVAC contractor for your furnace. Here’s a 5-step guide to help you out.
- Get Estimates: Get at least 3 quotes from different companies. Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and have good reviews.
- Correct Size: The contractor should do a load calculation based on your living area’s square footage.
- Zoning: If you have different zones in your home, make sure the technician talks about your zoning options before buying.
- Maintenance: Get annual maintenance done by a qualified technician. This can help catch any repairs early.
- Incentives: Look for energy company or manufacturer incentives or rebates to help with costs.
A pro tip: Understand the manufacturer’s warranty before buying. It can save you money on potential future repairs or replacements. Choose your furnace wisely – you want energy savings, low operating costs, and a warm embrace!
Operating Costs and Energy Savings
Saving on energy bills is essential when buying a furnace. Consider the fuel source, size, and type of home heating device. To help you decide, here’s a table with data on common furnace types, their AFUE rating, cost per therm/gallon, and energy savings.
| Furnace Type | AFUE Rating | Cost Per Therm/Gallon | Energy Savings |
| Gas Furnace | 89-98% | $0.70-$1.00 | Up to 15% |
| Oil Furnace | 80-90% | $2.50-$3.50 | Up to 25% |
| Electric Furnace | 95-100% | $0.12-$0.20 | Up to 30% |
| Propane Furnace | 90-98% | $1.50-$2.50 | Up to 10% |
It’s just a guideline. Other factors come into play like insulation type. When you buy, don’t forget to look at expert reviews and customer experiences for insights. If you’re upgrading, consider models with better zoning features to adjust for different square footage.
Finding the right furnace is like finding a partner: reliable and not dangerous.
Safety and Air Quality
When purchasing a furnace for your home, safety and air quality must be taken into account. The type of furnace you choose can greatly affect the air in your home and also how safely it runs.
Gas furnaces are a popular option for homeowners as they usually offer better energy efficiency than oil furnaces. However, a professional HVAC technician must install and service your gas furnace to ensure ample ventilation and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
The size and layout of your living spaces also have an impact on air quality. Suitable ductwork and correctly placed vents help guarantee that warm air is spread all through your home.
When selecting a new furnace, look for models with high AFUE ratings (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This means higher energy savings over time. Consider brands such as Carrier that offer multi-stage furnaces with variable speed blowers for maximum efficiency.
A qualified contractor should provide an estimate for installation and upgrade costs, and also info on any rebates or incentives in your area. Don’t forget about warranty options either – reliable companies like Smo Energy typically offer dependable products with good customer reviews.
Upgrade and Replacement
Upgrading or replacing your furnace can be overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s a guide! Consider these factors:
- Fuel Source
- Efficiency
- Size
- System Type
- Air Quality
Don’t forget about zoning benefits for different areas in your home. Also, check out incentives from manufacturers and NGOs – they may lower your costs! Make the right choice – it’ll keep you warm and happy for years to come. Upgrade now to a new energy-efficient furnace for superior comfort this winter season!
Conclusion.
Researching furnaces is key to improving your home’s air quality and energy bills. Consider the fuel source, size, efficiency rating and HVAC company. Gas is usually the most popular option. But electric, oil and propane furnaces are around too. Get the right size for your home or rooms based on square footage. And factor in zoning requirements and existing ductwork. An experienced HVAC contractor can help throughout the process. Look for customer reviews when selecting an HVAC company.