Questions First Time Furnace Buyers Should Ask
Your furnace was part of the package when you purchased your new home. Rising heating bills, inefficient heating, and environmental concerns may be making you wonder whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, though. Here are some questions to think about when you’re buying a furnace for the first time.
1. What Size Furnace Do You Need?
Furnace size will be determined by a number of different factors, including the size and efficiency of the furnace, the square footage of your home and the climate of the geographical area in which you live. Other variables will affect this decision, too, however. If your home gets a lot of sunlight, for example, it may not need as powerful a furnace. An experienced HVAC technician can be a great resource in helping you choose exactly the right furnace.
2. How Is Furnace Efficiency Rated?
Furnace efficiency is rated according to how much fuel the furnace needs to burn to produce a given amount of heat. In the U.S., the efficiency of a gas furnace is determined by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. A gas furnace with an 80 percent AFUE rating will expel 20 percent of the heat energy it produces from combustion as exhaust. The Environmental Protection Agency mandates that all heating systems must have an AFUE rating of 78 percent or higher unless they are being used in mobile homes.
3. What Different Types of Furnaces Are Available?
Natural gas furnaces are typically the least costly if your house already has a gas line. Oil or propane furnaces take up more space than gas furnaces and have the potential to create more pollution. Electrical furnaces create heat very efficiently, but they do result in higher monthly utility bills. Many homeowners opt for electric heat pumps that can double as air conditioning systems during the warmer months.
Top-Notch Marion Furnace Repairs and Installations
At Morris Heating & Cooling in Marion, NC, we can help you determine the right replacement furnace for your home and answer any questions you may have. We also provide heating and cooling system repairs, air conditioning maintenance, and AC installations. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.