Here’s What to Look for When Shopping for a New Furnace

Replacing your old furnace with a new model can help you enjoy more comfort and save money in the long run. Modern furnaces produce heat more steadily and pollute less than older models. So how do you know the right system to purchase for your Lorain home? Here’s what to consider during the furnace-shopping process.

Size

Furnaces are usually available in sizes ranging from about 40,000 to 120,000 Btu (British thermal units). It’s critical to get a system that is the right size for your home. A furnace that’s too large for your home will cycle on and off too frequently, putting wear on components and wasting energy. A system that’s too small will be incapable of keeping your home comfortable during frigid weather. The best way to ensure correct sizing is to hire a reputable contractor to perform a Manual J load calculation to determine your heating needs.

AFUE

New furnaces have their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings listed on them. The higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace. It’s good to purchase the most efficient system that you can afford. However, if your priority is to get the most cost-effective heating, you’ll need to find the right balance between energy costs and furnace cost. In Northeast Ohio, the AFUE levels that strike that balance are 90% to 93%.

Energy-Saving Features

Some furnaces have features that further enhance performance and increase energy savings, which aren’t accounted for in the AFUE ratings. Some of the energy-saving features worth considering include:

• Variable-speed blowers. In case less heat is required, these blowers can deliver air at a slower rate. That results in fewer drafts and temperature swings.
• Variable heat output. Some furnaces with variable-speed blowers automatically vary the quantity of heat they deliver, increasing comfort and efficiency.

Your new furnace will only operate efficiently and durably if it’s installed correctly, so never prioritize low price over contractor quality. For more furnace-shopping tips, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing top-of-the-line heating and cooling installation and service work to Lorain-area homeowners for the past 35 years.