Are you ready to invest in a new furnace and see your home’s energy costs drop? More than any other feature, your home’s furnace impacts how much money you spend on heat. If you can’t stand the cold any longer and want to find the best one for your home, keep reading. There are so many options when choosing a new furnace that it can be overwhelming to figure out which is suitable for your house, let alone know what questions to ask when speaking with potential dealers.
What Is a Furnace?
A furnace is the central heating system in most homes. It burns fuel, whether it be natural gas, propane, or electricity, to produce heat. It’s an essential part of the overall HVAC system for making your home warm and comfortable. The furnace sits in a central location in your home, and ducts distribute the warm air throughout the house. There are two main types of furnaces that are used in today’s homes. The first type is a conventional (also known as fossil fuel) furnace, which burns natural gas or propane. These types of furnaces typically cost less to install than other types. The other type of furnace is an electric furnace. The electricity used in an electric furnace may come from your home’s electrical grid or a backup electric generator. An electric furnace uses electric resistance to create warmth.
1. HVAC System Check-up
This may sound like common sense, but make sure your furnace is in good working order before deciding between replacing it. You may think you’re ready for the task when installing a new furnace. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing a new furnace, including what kind of system you have and where you will place it in your home’s layout. For example, if you live in Canada it is best to ensure your furnace is installed correctly. The end goal is to pick and have installed the best furnace in Canada that is high efficiency. A professional HVAC contractor is trained to properly install your furnace and ensure it operates efficiently and safely. They can also cost-effectively diagnose issues with your current system and help you plan for future furnace replacement if needed.
2. Ask For Recommendations
One of the best ways to start your furnace hunt is to ask for recommendations from friends and family members who either have had an HVAC installation recently or have been through the process before. They can let you know about their experiences with different contractors and offer insight into what worked well for them and what didn’t. This can be a great way to narrow down your search and get a head start on your research, plus you can avoid falling into the trap of buying based on price. This will also help you avoid being pressured into buying a specific brand or model that may not be the best option for your home.
3. Don’t Forget the AC
If you’re only focused on finding the best furnace, you could choose a system that isn’t compatible with your current AC system. This will only create more problems down the road and means you’ll need to replace both as soon as possible. If you have an AC system that isn’t working well, your furnace may not be running optimally. In some cases, it could be causing the AC to operate inefficiently. This means you could save money and increase the longevity of both systems if you address both simultaneously.
4. Do Your Research
One of the best ways to find the best furnace for your home is to do your homework. For example, you can check out the Energy Star website, which features furnace reviews and detailed information about various types of heating systems. You can also check out sites like Consumer Reports, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor, which feature reviews from homeowners like you. The Internet is full of furnace reviews, which can be very helpful when narrowing down your options. But be sure to check the dates on these reviews to ensure they’re still relevant today. Also, don’t forget to check with your utility provider; they may have information about the most energy-efficient options available. And don’t forget to take into consideration any rebates that are currently available.
5. Check the Ratings
While reading reviews can be helpful, you’ll also want to check the model’s energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the system converts fuel into warmth. It may seem an obvious choice to go with a high-efficiency furnace, but not all models with that rating meet Energy Star’s standards. Your utility company will also have information about other factors, such as noise levels, ease of installation, and accessibility for repairs. When researching, check for reviews and news about specific model numbers instead of general studies for a brand name. This is particularly important if you install a new system in an existing home.
6. Look at the Equipment and Warranty
Equipment is another essential factor to consider when researching furnaces. Look at the type of fuel system, the type of blower, and the type of ducts the stove has. You’ll also want to consider the equipment’s warranty, parts, and installation. This will give you an idea of how reliable the system is. The warranty on the building will help you avoid getting charged for any work that the installer may need to come back and do again. The warranty on parts will tell you how long you can expect the system to last. A system with a more extended warranty indicates that the manufacturer is confident in its longevity.
Conclusion
The furnace in your home has a significant impact on your energy costs, so it’s essential to find the best one for your home. There are so many options when choosing a new furnace that it can be overwhelming to figure out which is suitable for your house, let alone know what questions to ask when speaking with potential dealers. We’ve compiled this list of six ways to find the best furnace for your home that will cut down on your heating bills, all while ensuring it fits nicely into your home’s aesthetic.
