As the summer months wind down, it pays to start planning for the chilly days to come. If you need a new furnace, going shopping well before winter could increase your chance of finding a better deal on a wider selection of quality models. To ensure you pick the perfect one, take advantage of the following list.

3 Factors to Consider When Buying a New Furnace

1. Home Size

Before shopping for a new furnace, make sure you know the exact square footage of your home. However, make sure to leave out the parts you won’t be heating, such as a garage or a sunroom. Your contractor can use an equation to find the exact furnace size you need. One that’s too small won’t warm your home enough, and one that’s too large could be unnecessarily expensive. It may also deteriorate faster due to frequent cycling on and off.

2. Fuel Type

Most models are divided based on the fuel they use to heat your home. While electric furnaces are convenient, as they don’t require deliveries or fuel line installations, they can be pricier to operate in the long term. Natural gas furnaces are cost-effective, and are excellent at heating spaces in extreme cold fronts. Oil furnaces are also less expensive than electric models, but you’ll have to make space to store the oil and schedule regular deliveries. If you don’t have access to natural gas lines, this might be the best option for you.

3. System Type

Finally, you need to decide whether your home will benefit best from a central or split system. Central systems require ductwork that runs throughout the house and emits warm air through vents. If you don’t have these passageways already, you might want to opt for split systems. These work best for larger houses, as they warm rooms or zones individually. Therefore, you can shut off units in rooms that aren’t being used, or customize the temperature to each family member’s liking. As a result, split heating systems are often more energy efficient.

If you’re interested in investing in a new furnace, reach out to Gary's Repair & Burner Service of Ester, AK, today. They have over three decades of experience in the heating system industry, and they can also help you find a burner or boiler to meet your needs. Once installed, they can perform routine maintenance to ensure your system maintains optimum efficiency. To learn more about their skills, visit the website, or call (907) 474-0736 to ask for an estimate.