Introduction to Furnaces

Tips for Buying a Furnace

Do you need to buy a new furnace? Perhaps you are restoring a home or building a new home. You need to consider several things before you buy your next furnace. There are quite a few things to consider when getting ready to purchase your furnace. Most importantly, are you going to purchase an electric, oil or gas furnace?

Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are always considered to be the most inexpensive type of furnace because natural gas runs usually less expensive than electricity and, often times, is more available. However, nowadays, people are concerned about the effects of burning fuel on the environment and, gas does cause emissions which are considered to be harmful and contribute to air pollution.

Oil Furnace

Common to the Northern part of the United States, oil furnaces tend to burn dirtier and are definitely not eco-friendly. Another issue with these furnaces is that if there is a shortage in heating oil, you could end up without heat during the freezing winter months.

Electric Furnace

Electric furnaces tend to be pricier than their gas counterparts. However, they do not emit carbon dioxide into the air, which is a cause of air pollution. Electric furnaces burn cleaner than gas and are considered to be safer than gas.

Efficiency

When purchasing a gas furnace, check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating to have an idea of how much fuel your furnace will consume when it is in use. The higher the rating the more fuel efficient the furnace but, the higher the rating the more expensive the furnace will be.

Comfort

Two-speed furnaces are a great choice as they are efficient and tend to run quieter. Most of the time, the furnace is set to run at a low speed, which keeps the temperature in the house more equalized and less fuel is burned.

Size

Make sure the size of the furnace you purchase is compatible with the size of the space you are going to heat. If you buy a furnace that is too small, it will work too hard and also not heat the space properly. A furnace that is too large also has its own set of problems. There can be serious temperature gaps in the space as a result of a furnace that is too big. Talk to a heating professional who will be able to advise you on the best furnace to meet your needs.

When you decide on the right furnace for your space, make sure you have it installed professionally. Professionals will take care to assure that the seals are tight and correct, which will avoid carbon monoxide in your home along with assuring that heat does not escape therefore, decreasing your energy bills.