When it comes time to buy a furnace, the choices can be overwhelming. There are numerous factors you need to consider before making your purchase.
This comprehensive guide will discuss the different types of furnaces available, the benefits of each type, and the numerous factors you should consider when making your purchase.
With the help of the experts from HVAC Burlington and this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which furnace is best for your home!
All about furnaces
Home furnaces come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. The most common type is a gas furnace, which uses natural gas.
Electric furnaces are another popular choice. Electric furnaces use electricity to generate heat. Oil furnaces are less common, but they are an option in some areas. Oil furnaces use oil to generate heat.
Finally, there are propane furnaces. Propane furnaces use propane to generate heat and are prevalent in areas where natural gas is unavailable.
Benefits and drawbacks of the different types of furnaces
Each type of furnace has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. While gas furnaces are the most popular type of furnace among homeowners, let's explore some of your other options:
Natural Gas furnaces
Starting with the fan-favorite, gas furnaces are the most popular type of furnace. Gas furnaces use natural gas to heat your home. This makes them very efficient, as they do not have to generate heat themselves- the natural gas does that for them!
Gas furnaces also tend to be relatively affordable, and they are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Nowadays, gas furnaces come with several bells and whistles, such as programmable thermostats and remote controls.
However, one downside of gas furnaces is that they require regular maintenance to function properly. If you're not comfortable performing this maintenance yourself, it's crucial to find a qualified technician who can help you out.
Oil furnaces
Oil furnaces are less common than gas furnaces, but they are still an option in some areas. Oil furnaces use oil to generate heat.
This makes them a bit less efficient than gas furnaces, as oil is not as plentiful as natural gas. However, if you live in an area where oil is more readily available than natural gas, then this may be the better option for you!
Another downside of oil furnaces is that they can be expensive to operate. You will also need to regularly have your furnace serviced by a qualified technician to keep it running efficiently.
Electric Furnaces
If it isn't gas, it's electric! Electric furnaces are another popular choice among homeowners. Electric furnaces use electricity to generate heat, making them incredibly efficient as they do not have to rely on any other fuel source.
This type of furnace is also easy on the budget, as electricity is relatively affordable. Electric furnaces are available in various sizes, so you can find one that's perfect for your home.
That being said, one downside to electric furnaces is that they require more maintenance than gas furnaces. You'll need to regularly have your furnace serviced by a qualified technician to keep it running efficiently.
Propane Furnaces
Finally, there are propane furnaces. Propane furnaces use propane to generate heat and are popular in areas where natural gas is not easily accessible.
Propane is a less common fuel source, but it is still an option for some homeowners. Propane furnaces tend to be less efficient than gas or electric furnaces, as propane is not as plentiful as natural gas.
You should also note that propane furnaces are known to be quite loud. So if you're looking for a furnace that doesn't make much noise, then this may not be the one for you.
Factors to consider when buying a furnace
Naturally, it would help if you considered a couple of factors to help you make the best possible purchase. Let's look at some of the most critical considerations:
The climate
The most important factor to consider when choosing a furnace is the climate you live in. Colder climates will need a furnace better at heating your home, while warmer climates may not need as much heat.
Efficiency
Furnace efficiency is measured in AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace. It would be best to aim for a furnace with an AFUE rating of at least 90%.
Gas furnaces tend to be the most efficient among all the furnace types. Electric furnaces are a close second, while oil and propane furnaces are less efficient.
Size
The size of your furnace is essential as well. If you get a furnace that's too small, it won't heat your home effectively.
On the other hand, if you get one that's too big, it will use more energy than necessary to heat your home, causing bills to skyrocket.
To determine the right size for your needs, you'll need to know the square footage of your home as well as the climate where you live. Once you have that information, you can consult with a qualified technician to help you choose the right size for your needs.
Installation
Installing a furnace is no easy feat. It's a big job and one that should only be done by a qualified professional, such as Air Conditioning Installation Repair Hamilton.
Not only do you need to worry about choosing the right furnace for your home, but you also need to make sure it's installed properly.
Generally, the easiest type of furnace to install is an electric furnace. Gas and oil furnaces are a bit more complicated, so you'll need to make sure you hire a qualified technician to help you with the installation.
Cost
In today's economy, the cost is always a factor to consider. Furnaces can be expensive to purchase and even more expensive to operate. You will also need to regularly have your furnace serviced by a qualified technician to keep it in tip-top shape.
If budget is your topmost priority, then an electric furnace may be the way to go. Electric furnaces are relatively affordable and require less maintenance than gas or oil furnaces.
Repair and maintenance
Purchasing doesn't end your relationship with your furnace. In order to keep it efficient and long-lived, you'll need to have it serviced by a qualified technician regularly.
Generally, gas furnaces require the most maintenance, while electric furnaces require the least. However, all furnaces will need some level of care to keep them functioning well.
Warranty
Finally, it would be best to consider the warranty when purchasing a furnace. Most manufacturers offer warranties on their products, so be sure to ask about them before purchasing.
A good warranty should give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered if something goes wrong with your furnace.
Now that we've looked at all the different types of furnaces and some crucial factors to consider before making a purchase let's look at some of the standard features you'll find on furnaces.
Additional Furnace Features
If you're looking for a little something extra in your furnace, there are a few additional snazzy features you can look for:
Programmable thermostats: These allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can set it to be cooler at night when you're sleeping and warmer during the day when you're awake and active.
High-efficiency filters: This feature helps remove more contaminants from the air, making it better for both your lungs and your wallet.
Variable-speed blowers: These help to regulate the amount of air that's being circulated throughout your home.
Two-stage heating: This feature allows your furnace to operate at two different levels, depending on the temperature outside.
Before purchasing a furnace with any of these features, be sure to consult with a qualified technician to see if they would be beneficial for your home.
Conclusion
In the end, there's a lot to consider before purchasing a furnace. But if you take the time to do your research and consult with a qualified professional, you should have no problem finding the perfect furnace for your home!