When the cold Ohio winter rolls in, you’ll want to have a reliable heating system that will operate at peak levels to keep your house warm. For that reason, when shopping for a new furnace, you should do enough research to find a system that will keep you comfortable for years without wasting money. Read on to get a better understanding of the furnace options available.
Fuel Source
When it comes to fuel sources, you can choose from gas, oil, and electric systems. Gas-fired systems are the most economical heating solution in below-freezing temperatures. They’re also the most popular because gas is readily available across the country.
Oil-fired systems are a powerful heat source, but they require more room for storage and are dirtier than gas furnaces. They can also be costlier to run, depending on current global oil prices. Electric furnaces are cheaper to buy and install. However, they’re not very efficient at heating large homes. And because they use electricity to create original heat, they can cause a massive spike in your electric bills.
AFUE
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures furnace efficiency. At the moment, the minimum-efficiency systems must reach an AFUE of 80%. High-efficiency units have AFUE ratings of 90% and higher.
In the milder areas, there’s no problem with choosing an 80%-AFUE furnace. In our climate, it’s worth investing in a high-efficiency system to increase comfort and save energy.
Advanced Features
If you want a furnace that works reliably for years, look for several advanced features. For instance, for premium comfort and efficiency, you should go with a system with a variable-speed furnace blower rather than a fixed-speed blower.
The sealed combustion feature protects your home from carbon monoxide. It’s also advisable to look for a system that offers a long warranty on the hugely important heat exchanger.
Remember, size and installation quality are critical to the proper functioning of your new furnace. Make sure you have it professionally sized and installed. For high-quality furnace installation, repair, or servicing, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning, the leading HVAC company in the Lorain area.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area