5 Considerations When Choosing a Furnace for Your Home

Being a homeowner is highly beneficial because you can live comfortably in it, with four walls and a roof to protect you from the elements. However, this also means your home’s interior must be adequately heated to ensure comfort and energy efficiency, which is vital if you live in a cold area. The best way to achieve this is by having a furnace at home.

A furnace is a device that provides heat to a home or building by burning fuel such as natural gas, propane, or oil. It uses a fan to blow air over a heat exchanger, which transfers heat to the air and then blows it into the home or building. Furnaces can heat an entire house or just a single room, making them incredibly efficient. However, choosing the right furnace is tricky because different homes have different heating needs. To help you with this, you must consider certain factors, such as:

#1 – Fuel Source

When purchasing a new furnace, you must consider what fuel sources are already in your home. If you use oil or propane, you can keep using that fuel source or convert it to natural gas. On the other hand, you can buy an electric furnace, although natural gas is usually considered more energy efficient. It can be beneficial to convert your home while you purchase a new furnace so that you don’t have to buy another one in a few years when you switch fuel sources. Natural gas furnaces are typically the most efficient option, so converting your home can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

#2 – Type of Furnace System

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, the decision is yours. You can either keep the same system you have been using or make the switch to something different. If you have a single system running your heating and air conditioning, consider changing to a split system to free up extra space. Or, if you have two separate systems, combine them into one package system to give your home a more streamlined look. Choosing the best system for your home is an important decision, and there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before making your choice.

#3 – Unit Type

When shopping for a new furnace, you’ll want to decide what unit you want. The two most common types of furnaces are single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage furnaces turn on and off at full capacity, while two-stage furnaces can modulate their output to match the temperature in your home. Two-stage furnaces are more energy efficient but cost more than single-stage units.

On the other hand, you can choose from upflow, downflow, horizontal, or waste oil models with an oil furnace. These furnaces are less efficient than gas models, but they can be a good option if you do not have access to natural gas.

#4 – Size

Furnaces come in different sizes, so buying the right size for your home is essential. If you buy a furnace that is too small, it will not be able to heat your home enough. On the other hand, purchasing a larger furnace will cost more and be less efficient.

The size of the furnace you need depends on the size of your home. A larger home will require a larger furnace, while a smaller home can get by with a smaller unit. An HVAC contractor can help you determine the best size furnace for your home to ensure you get the right unit.

#5 – Cost

Above all else, you must get your money’s worth when buying a furnace. The cost of the furnace will depend on its size, type, and features. Gas furnaces are more expensive than electric models, and the features can add to the cost. However, higher-end models may be more efficient and cost less to operate in the long run. Because of this, you should compare prices and consider the unit’s energy efficiency before purchasing.

Conclusion

A furnace is an essential component of your home heating system, so you must choose the right one. Many choices are available, so it is only a matter of knowing what suits your needs and budget. This way, you can ensure that you get the most efficient and cost-effective furnace for your home.

Controlled Climates provide top-quality services for heater service/repair. Our professional HVAC specialists will ensure your home is fitted with a system that can supply you with ample heat or cold. Call us today at (559) 354-4908 to schedule an appointment!