Ross and Witmer So your furnace is getting old and approaching its final season. This means it’s time for you to begin shopping for a new model. It’s probably been some time since your last venture to buy a furnace, so you might be a bit confused as to what you should take into consideration.
1. Size
Size is an important factor to consider. A furnace that is too large will cost you more money than one that’s meant for your size home, and a furnace that’s too small won’t heat your entire home and will work too hard trying to do so.
2. Fuel Efficiency
Gas furnaces have different levels of fuel efficiency which are commonly known as their annual fuel-utilization efficiency (AFUE). This level is a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the unit is. This will mean that your furnace replacement will cost you less money for gas, and it means that the furnace is less harmful to the environment.
3. Ignition System
In order for your gas furnace to heat, it needs some type of ignition system. However, more and more gas furnaces use direct spark, hot-surface or intermittent ignition that do not have a pilot light that unremittingly burns. This helps to increase the efficiency of the unit.
4. Speed Blowers
If you want your furnace replacement to stay at a more comfortable temperature and not experience numerous drafts or changes in temperature, you should look for a variable-speed blower. The air is more continuous since it blows slowly.
5. Air Filtration
It’s not uncommon for your allergies to act up even during the winter months because of your furnace blowing dust and other allergens. Looking into a furnace replacement with a more sophisticated filtration system may benefit you. Consider a furnace with an electrostatic filter, meaning a filter that uses electrical charges, or one with a high-efficiency particulate-arresting (HEPA) filter. These systems will assist you greatly if you have asthma, allergies, or other breathing troubles.
To learn more about purchasing a new furnace, contact our heating and cooling experts at Ross & Witmer.