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Buying a High-Efficiency Furnace – What to Know
Is your furnace obsolete, broken, or in serious need of replacement? If you answered yes to any of these questions you’ll find that buying a new high-efficiency furnace will take some research and patience. But fear not! The team at Home Comfort Experts has compiled some of the most useful information available to help you make the best decision for keeping your home warm and cozy.
Related Read: Air Conditioner Troubleshooting – When AC Doesnโt Mean โAlways Coolโ.
The Good News – High-Efficiency Furnaces Lower Your Energy Bills
For most homeowners cost-efficiency has become a major factor in any home purchase. Buying a new furnace is no exception. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling account for 56% of energy used in private homes. Since 30% of that number is attributed to heating costs alone, it is in your best interest to consider the efficiency of your home furnace.
Another important figure: if your furnace was installed prior to 1992 it is probably costing you more money than itโs worth. The Department of Energy implemented standards in 1992 that required new models to convert 78% of fuel into heat. In 2013, this number was raised to 80%. This is great news for today’s consumers because regulations ensure your new furnace will meet better efficiency standards.
Buying Tips for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Of course, not all products are built the same, so how can you tell which furnace will save you the most on your energy bills and meet your specifications? Read on for a comprehensive guide to purchasing a high-efficiency furnace!
1. Know Your Size
If your furnace is too small it won’t successfully heat your home and if it’s too big you’ll spend more and end up using more energy than you need. Knowing the square footage of your space is helpful, but climate, as well as the design and construction of your house, may have an effect on what you require. The safest bet is hiring a reputable contractor to calculate your heating needs.
Related Read: Think a Bigger Air Conditioner Is Better? Think Again.
2. Understanding Efficiency Ratings
The best shopping comparison to use when considering furnaces is the efficiency ratings guide. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is a percentage that shows the ratio of fuel converted into heat – the higher the percentage the higher the efficiency. Now, efficiency ratings often dictate price fluctuation in seemingly similar products so approximate your budget and make your dollars work for you by trying to get the best efficiency rating for your buck. Remember, even if you spend more on the initial purchase, a high AFUE rating will save you more over time.
3. Reliability
It goes without saying that nobody wants to pay for repairs on a brand new appliance. Unfortunately, some brands are more prone to breakdowns than others. Here’s a list of the most and least reliable gas furnaces from the Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Related Read: How Many Repairs Is Too Many? This Simple Formula Will Let You Know
If you need help choosing a high-efficiency furnace, give us a call and weโll be glad to help you figure out all of the details. Weโll also give you no-obligation quote on installation. At Home Comfort Experts, weโre here to help!