If your furnace is nearing the end of its life, don’t wait until the middle of a Boston cold snap to have it replaced. Our experienced One Hour HVAC technicians will be happy to come and explain to you which models would be best for your home and budget. It’s not a bad idea to start learning what we consider when recommending a heating system to customers.
Furnace Size
Having a furnace installed that’s the right size for your space is key to dispersing enough heat into your home. If your furnace is too small, it will obviously not heat your entire house properly, and if it’s too big, you will be wasting fuel and money on heat you don’t need. To determine the proper size, we consider square footage of your house insulation, number of windows, and ceiling height. The easiest way to determine the size of your new furnace is to look at your existing furnace. If you have built an addition, you will need a bigger device.
Energy Efficiency and AFUE Rating
Replacing an old furnace with a new one will automatically come with increased efficiency. But one of the most important metrics to consider is the furnace’s AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency. A high AFUE number indicates high energy efficiency, so the higher the number, the lower your monthly heating bills will be. An AFUE of 80% will be efficient while an AFUE of over 90% will be extremely efficient. However, you’ll pay significantly more for a 90% unit up front, so you’ll want to consider how long you’ll be in the home to decide whether that extra cost is worth it.
Fuel Source
Your furnace is most likely either gas or electric powered. Gas is the most popular and tends to be most economical. Electric furnaces are cheaper to purchase and install, but tend to cost a lot more to operate and are not very efficient, especially in a large home. We’ll discuss which type of furnace you currently have and what the best model is to replace it.
Special Features
There are some key features your new furnace should have in order for it to function its best and last as long as possible.
Two stage valves. This is nice because the valves control the flow of fuel. When the furnace first turns on, it will run high to reach the thermostat’s desired temperature, and then will run on a lower flow to simply maintain that temperature.
Sealed combustion. This is a major safety feature as it helps protect your house from dangerous carbon monoxide and is also more energy efficient.
Long and trustworthy warranty. Different manufacturers offer different levels of warranties, so you’ll want to thoroughly go over what’s covered in the model you’re considering. You will receive a warranty from One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning on the installation, but you’ll also want to know which parts are covered in case they break down.
Cost
There are a number of factors that affect the cost of a new furnace, including it’s efficiency level, fuel source, and special features. You’ll want to consider how long you plan to stay in your home as well as the importance of reducing your energy bills in order to figure out how much you’re willing to spend a new system. You may be able to save on installation costs by purchasing a new air conditioner at the same time, so we can discuss that as well.
Call One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Aberdeen to Discuss Your New Furnace
Don’t wait until you find yourself freezing in the middle of winter to call us. If your furnace is 15 years or older, there’s a chance it will break down soon. Call us to schedule an appointment and we’ll be happy to come out and take a look and get you a quote. We want our Harford County customers to stay warm and cozy all through winter!