Find the Perfect Furnace for Your Home
With This Helpful Buying Guide
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know when shopping for a new furnace, from efficiency ratings to installation requirements. So whether you’re just starting your search or you’re already familiar with some of the terminology, this guide has something for everyone!
Four types of furnaces
There are four main types of furnaces that you’ll find on the market today:
– Gas furnaces
– Oil furnaces
– Electric furnaces
– Propane furnaces
Gas and oil furnaces are the most common types of furnaces in the United States, accounting for about two-thirds of all furnace sales. Gas furnaces are powered by natural gas, while oil furnaces are powered by heating oil. Electric furnaces are less common, but they’re growing in popularity due to their high efficiency ratings. Propane furnaces are also becoming more popular, especially in rural areas where propane is more readily available than other fuel sources.
Gas furnaces are fueled by natural gas, which is piped into your home from the main gas line. Gas furnaces are very efficient, with some models reaching efficiencies of 96% or higher. They’re also relatively affordable to operate, since natural gas is one of the cheaper fuel sources available. Gas furnaces do require annual maintenance, however, in order to keep them running smoothly.
Oil furnaces are powered by heating oil, which is stored in a tank on your property. Oil furnaces are less efficient than gas furnaces, with most models having an efficiency rating between 80% and 90%. They’re also more expensive to operate, since heating oil is typically more costly than natural gas. Oil furnaces require annual maintenance and may need to be refueled more often than gas furnaces.
Electric furnaces are powered by electricity, which is supplied by your local utility company. Electric furnaces are very efficient, with some models reaching efficiencies of 100%. They’re also very affordable to operate, since electricity is one of the cheaper fuel sources available. Electric furnaces don’t require any annual maintenance, but they may be more expensive to install than other types of furnaces.
Propane furnaces are powered by propane, which is stored in a tank on your property. Propane furnaces have efficiency ratings that range from 80% to 95%. They’re also very affordable to operate, since propane is one of the cheaper fuel sources available. Propane furnaces require annual maintenance and may need to be refueled more often than gas or oil furnaces.
How to choose the right furnace for your home
Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of furnaces available, you can start narrowing down your choices. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for a new furnace:
- Fuel type: What type of fuel do you have access to? Natural gas, propane, electricity, and heating oil are all common fuel sources for furnaces.
- Efficiency: How efficient do you want your furnace to be? Furnaces with higher efficiency ratings will cost more upfront, but they’ll also save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
- Location: Where will your furnace be installed? Some furnaces require special installation requirements, so it’s important to make sure that your chosen model will work in your home.
- Budget: How much can you afford to spend on a new furnace? Furnaces range in price from $500 to $5,000 or more, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
What size furnace do I need?
The size of the furnace you need will depend on a few factors, including the size of your home and the climate you live in. Generally speaking, homes in colder climates will need a larger furnace than homes in warmer climates. This is because a larger furnace will be able to generate more heat, which is necessary for keeping your home warm in winter. The size of your home is also a factor to consider. A larger home will need a bigger furnace than a smaller home. This is because a bigger furnace will be able to circulate air more effectively, making sure that all areas of your home are evenly heated.
How do I know what efficiency rating I need?
The efficiency rating of your furnace is important because it determines how much money you’ll spend on heating costs each year. The higher the efficiency rating, the less money you’ll spend. There are two main types of furnace efficiency ratings: AFUE and HSPF. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and it’s a measure of how much of the fuel that your furnace uses is actually turned into heat. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is a measure of how well your furnace can maintain a comfortable temperature in your home during the winter months. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the furnace.
What are BTUs?
BTUs, or British Thermal Units, are a measure of heat output. One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The BTUs of a furnace are important because they determine how much heat the furnace can generate. A higher BTU furnace will be able to generate more heat than a lower BTU furnace.
What are some other things I should look for in a furnace?
In addition to efficiency ratings, there are a few other things you should look for when shopping for a new furnace. These include:
- A warranty: Most furnaces come with a warranty that covers parts and labor. Make sure to find out how long the warranty is and what it covers before you make your purchase.
- Installation requirements: Some furnaces require special installation, so be sure to check on this before you buy.
- Maintenance requirements: Furnaces need to be cleaned and serviced on a regular basis. Be sure to find out how often your furnace will need to be serviced and what type of maintenance will be required.
Now that you know more about furnaces, you’re ready to start shopping for one. Use this guide to help you find the perfect furnace for your home.
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