Let’s face it—we all need to heat our homes. Buying a furnace can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the types of furnaces out there and what to look for when buying. But finding the right furnace for your home isn’t hard, as long as you know what you’re looking for. Here are the things you’ll need to know before buying a furnace.
Types of furnaces. There are two main types of furnace on the market: gas and electric. Gas furnaces are the cheaper option, unless you’re in a location where it’s hard to get access to natural gas. Gas furnaces generate carbon monoxide fumes, which are usually trapped in the exchanger and expelled from the house through a vent. However, if your furnace is old or not regularly maintained and inspected, these gases can get into your house and create a health hazard. Generally, gas furnaces have to be inspected by a professional once a year, to make sure it’s not developing any holes or cracks.
Electric furnaces are more expensive to buy and run. It’s safer than a gas furnace, however, and doesn’t produce fumes. Generally, it’s the cleaner option, and some consider it to be more environmentally friendly as well.
Energy efficiency standards and ratings. All furnaces on the market are required to meet minimum standards laid out in the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. These ratings measure how much fuel it takes a furnace to heat a home. The higher a furnace’s AFUE number, the less fuel it uses. Basically, the number is a reflection of what percent of each dollar you spend on heating is put back into your home as warm air. For example, a furnace with an AFUE of 80% means that for every dollar you spend on heat, you get 80 cents’ worth of warm air. As of 1992, all new furnaces are required to have at least a 78% efficiency rating under AFUE standards, although furnaces made before 1992 may have ratings as low as 60%.
When shopping for a furnace, you’ll find two types of energy-efficiency categories: mid-efficiency and high-efficiency furnaces. Mid-efficiency furnaces, also called “induces-draft” or “non-condensing,” have an efficiency rating of around 78-80%. High-efficiency furnaces are also called “condensing” or “sealed combustion” furnaces, and can have an efficiency rating as high as 96%.
Typically, the higher-rated furnaces will cost more up front. However, if you buy a highly efficient model, it will save you more money on your utilities over time.
Available features. A bare-bones furnace will be a single-speed. True to its name, it only has one speed: full blast. Despite the constant blast, the furnace must stop and start more often to keep a home at a constant temperature. It’s also noisy and can make for a drafty house.
Two-speed furnaces are an improvement. With a low and high setting, it can more easily maintain a constant temperature and your house won’t feel as drafty. It’s also quieter than a single-speed, and provides better circulation.
Variable-speed furnaces are even better—with several different intensity levels, they can more easily adjust and maintain constant temperatures. They’re the most energy-efficient furnaces, because their energy usage adjusts based on what’s needed. Many models also come with a fan that kicks in during summertime to help reduce cooling costs. They’re also the most quiet of the three choices.
Consider how much noise you can tolerate when you buy your next furnace, as well. The bad news is that unlike air conditioners and some other appliances, furnaces don’t have a standard noise-pollution rating. The good news is that if you buy a variable-speed or two-speed furnace, you are unlikely to be bothered by the noise.
Get an estimate. Every home has different heating requirements. For best results, get a contractor to come to your home and do a heat-loss analysis to determine the size of furnace, and the heating capacity, you’ll need. You’ll also be able to pinpoint areas in your home that might be bleeding heat, and patch up any drafty areas if needed. Most people find an estimate to be worth it, especially if you find any areas where your home is losing heat. Patching up drafty corners of the house can go a long way towards saving you money on your heating bill.
A furnace is necessary, but it doesn’t have to be expensive—or cost a lot to run. Look for the most energy-efficient models to save energy in the long term, and get a heat-loss analysis done first. This will help ensure your next furnace is just right for your house—and you’re heating as cost-effectively as possible.