With the average expectancy for a gas furnace being 18 years, many people make the decision to replace their current furnace after approximately 10-15 years due to efficiency savings.
If you are considering a new furnace, here are 3 things to consider as you talk with a professional about your options.
1. Energy source and system type
Nothing is more important than the heating system you choose for your home. One of the first things you can examine is looking at the energy source for you new furnace.
No matter if you had gas, electric or oil heating, in the past, your expert can talk you through the benefits for your home with a new system. Generally speaking, for gas furnaces, you can find an economical way to heat, especially when temperatures are extremely low.
An oil or propane furnace is a powerful solution but can be more expensive and it can require more space. An electric furnace is what it sounds like—a system that makes heat from electricity. Your HVAC will likely talk you through the benefits of an electric-powered heat pump which would use less electricity, however. There are many other factors as play and you want to be sure you don’t sacrifice quality for short-term savings.
You also want to get the most efficient furnace that fits within your budget. In other words, you want to get the highest Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE, so that your month-to-month bills are as low as possible. Your qualified expert can help you decide if having a split system or a packaged system is best for your home.
2. Zoning systems
If you have one or more rooms that always seem to be a different temperature than the rest of your house, zoning is solution that can help with this issue. Or, on the opposite end, if you have a room or section of the house that doesn’t need to be heated/cooled like the rest of the house, then zoning is also a way you can keep your home comfortable—while not heating or cooling areas that are barely used.
3. Variable speed
When it comes to furnace blowers, your HVAC will help you pick a variable-speed blower or a fixed-speed blower. In short, variable-speed often means more comfort and control when it comes to your furnace’s fan motor. Variable-speed blowers provide you with the ability to vary the speed of your blower, and they can save you money since they can use less electricity than standard motors. Variable-speed motors can also help you clean and better circulate the air in your home. Also ask your HVAC how your decision will affect the sound in your home; in most cases, a variable-speed system will be more quiet operation.
Adding Value to Your Home: The Benefits of the Newest Technology
Deciding to get a new furnace is undoubtedly a big decision, but when you’re informed, it adds value to your home, can help you protect your health through improved air quality, and can help reduce your ongoing energy bills. If you do decide to get a new furnace, one of the benefits of taking advantage of the newest technology is that you can get just the right amount of airflow, heat and even make sure your humidity levels are what they should be, which all means greater comfort for your home.
The latest systems also offer you more precision than ever when it comes to temperature adjustments, meaning you have greater control of our comfort, no matter the temperature outside. Your qualified professional will help you decide which technology and which brand is best suited for your home.
Once you get your new furnace installed, be sure to see if there is a maintenance program you can take advantage of. You can also maximize your cost savings by turning down your thermostat, when applicable, or utilizing your programmable thermostat when away from the home or at nights. When you see how low your energy bills can be by taking advantage of a high-performing furnace and a programmable thermostat, you will be glad you made the investment.
Want to know more about your furnace options or our maintenance program? Give us a call today to learn more at 859-491-4915.
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