What To Look For When Researching A New Furnace

Winter is around the corner and if you think you need to replace your furnace, there’s no time like the present. The new furnaces you will find today meet current energy-saving standards, and in some instances, you may even qualify for a tax credit. So, to justify buying a new furnace, think “long game” and how your accumulated savings on energy will offset the cost. Before you make any hasty decisions, do your research. The HVAC team at CARE Heating and Cooling can help you select the best furnace that will efficiently and comfortably heat your home. Here are some important factors to weigh when making a decision.

• Age Of Your Furnace: When you’re thinking about replacing your furnace, the first consideration is the furnace’s age. Most furnaces were designed to last about 15-20 years. If yours is approaching its second decade, and especially if you’ve noticed declining performance or an increase in your energy bills, then it’s time to consider a new unit. Another indicator is if you frequently need to schedule service calls for repairs. Again, this is another example where pulling the trigger and buying a new furnace will offset what you’re regularly paying for parts and labor to keep things running.
• Fuel Type: The next consideration is what type of fuel system you desire. Most furnaces run on natural gas, which is cheaper than electricity. However, the design of contemporary electric furnaces yields better fuel efficiency than in the past and eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Propane is yet another option and is frequently used in rural areas or regions where natural gas isn’t readily available.
• Blowers And Zoning: Most furnaces operate with a variable-speed blower to deliver warm air throughout your home and operate cyclically, whereas single-speed blowers deliver a single blast of hot air, then shut off, which can result in hot and cold spots in your house. If you have a multi-story house, an older house, or have rooms/areas that are infrequently used, consider a zoning system. With a zoning system, you can have separate thermostats in areas of your home, where you can better regulate the heating, thus saving energy. Another option is a ductless “mini-split” where a heating/cooling unit is installed on the wall in a designated area and can be activated as use dictates.
• Thermostat: When you have your new furnace installed, consider a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can be programmed to raise and lower the heat based on when your family will be home. You can even program the thermostat from your phone; simply lower the temperature when everybody is away at school and work during the day. You can teach the thermostat to warm things up so your home will be comfortable and cozy when everybody returns home in the evening. Smart thermostats can also perform functions such as reminding you when to change filters, schedule routine maintenance, etc.