When temperatures drop and snow rolls in, you should feel confident that your home will stay warm and cozy. Hence, when it comes time for furnace installation, it pays to choose the new unit carefully. Purchasing a system based on the following traits, for example, will not only increase comfort but also cut costs in the long run.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Furnace

Fuel Source

Furnaces use one of three fuel sources: gas, electric, or oil. The former uses a pilot light and natural gas to warm the system’s heat exchanger and blow warm air throughout the home. It is the most common type thanks to the unit’s cost-effective design.

Oil furnaces, on the other hand, are less economical because the fuel is more expensive. The oil also takes up more space. Finally, electric furnaces create heat from electricity, which can run up your meter. However, they often have the cheapest furnace installation.

Blower Type

Furnaces also offer two kinds of blowers: variable speed and single speed. This hardware is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home.

Most heating contractors recommend variable speed because they are constantly running at a low level, rather than repeatedly turning on and off. This feature makes them quieter as well as more energy-efficient than a single speed. The constant movement of the fan in this type of blower is also ideal for indoor air quality and comfort control.

Efficiency Rating

Although fuel source and blower type contribute to a furnace’s efficiency, they aren’t necessarily the best indication. Instead, look for the model’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. AFUE measures how well the system converts fuel to heat over the course of a typical year. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the furnace.  

Unit Size

When shopping for a furnace, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Both oversized and undersized units can undercut the system’s performance. Ask a heating contractor to perform a Manual J load calculation before they quote the new furnace installation. This computation factors in the home’s square footage, position of the walls, building materials, and other key characteristics to determine how much heating capacity you really need. Then, the heating contractor will help you find the right size.

Pricing & Warranty

Once you find furnaces that are the right size, are variable speed, have a good AFUE rating, and use your preferred fuel source, consider the overall budget. Also, calculate the lifetime cost of each model, including the cost of labor and future repairs. Finally, note which units come with warranties and rebates, as these could help you save even more.

If you’re in the market for a new furnace, turn to Pointon Heating & Air Conditioning. For over 42 years, their heating contractors have helped homeowners in southern Wisconsin purchase systems that increase comfort and maximize efficiency. Visit them online for more on their furnace installation and repair services. To request a quote, call their Baraboo location at (608) 356- 4177 or their Portage location at (608) 745-4616.