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Tips for Buying a Furnace
When it comes time to making a major purchase for your home, like a new
furnace, it's important to
first educate yourself so that you can make the best decision.
There are several factors that play key roles in determining the quality level of a furnace:
Before shopping for a furnace, you must first determine the fuel source in your home. Your home has either:
The BTU Level
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy and gas furnaces have input ratings that are expressed in BTU's. What does this mean for you? BTU's is how the size of the unit is expressed. Common sizes are 40,000, 60,000, 80,000, 100,000, and 120,000 btu/hr. and so clearly if you have a large home you will need a furnace with a great deal of BTU/hr. Use this BTU Calculator to figure out the right amount of BTU's needed for your furnace. Keep in mind that the BTU number alone does not represent the strength of heat that will be blown into your home (i.e. heat output). That amount is related to the AFUE percentage.
The AFUE Percentage
The ratio of the heat output of a unit to the heat content of the gas supplied is the units' efficiency or AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). In other words, the higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. A good furnace will have a rating of at least 80%. A furnace with a very high energy efficiency rating will have 90%. An energy efficient furnace will not only help the environment but it will also save you a great deal of money, so make sure you consider purchasing an energy efficient furnace with a high AFUE percentage. In fact, if you have a 95% AFUE furnace, then for every $100 in heating costs, you could save about $23. Add that up for the entire winter and you could save a lot of money!
Air Filter & Humidifier
Some furnaces come with an air filter or air purifier built into them. If you even have a small allergic sensitivity to dust or mold then you will surely need a furnace with an air filter. A built in humidifier is really essential since without it the air in your home could be extremely dry and cause static electricity throughout your home, so it would probably be a good decision to get a furnace with a humidifier.
Brand:
A furnace is a major purchase so make sure you purchase a reputable brand that you know stands for longevity, quality and reliability.
Other Considerations:
Once you purchase your furnace you will need to find an HVAC contractor to install the furnace in your home. You will also want to make sure that your furnace includes a warranty.
There are several factors that play key roles in determining the quality level of a furnace:
- The BTU level
- The AFUE percentage
- Whether the furnace comes with an air filter and humidifier.
- Brand consideration
Before shopping for a furnace, you must first determine the fuel source in your home. Your home has either:
- A natural gas line
- Propane tank
- Oil tank
- Only electricity.
- If you are unsure about your fuel source, check with a local HVAC contractor who will surely be able to help you figure it out!
The BTU Level
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy and gas furnaces have input ratings that are expressed in BTU's. What does this mean for you? BTU's is how the size of the unit is expressed. Common sizes are 40,000, 60,000, 80,000, 100,000, and 120,000 btu/hr. and so clearly if you have a large home you will need a furnace with a great deal of BTU/hr. Use this BTU Calculator to figure out the right amount of BTU's needed for your furnace. Keep in mind that the BTU number alone does not represent the strength of heat that will be blown into your home (i.e. heat output). That amount is related to the AFUE percentage.
The AFUE Percentage
The ratio of the heat output of a unit to the heat content of the gas supplied is the units' efficiency or AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). In other words, the higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. A good furnace will have a rating of at least 80%. A furnace with a very high energy efficiency rating will have 90%. An energy efficient furnace will not only help the environment but it will also save you a great deal of money, so make sure you consider purchasing an energy efficient furnace with a high AFUE percentage. In fact, if you have a 95% AFUE furnace, then for every $100 in heating costs, you could save about $23. Add that up for the entire winter and you could save a lot of money!
Air Filter & Humidifier
Some furnaces come with an air filter or air purifier built into them. If you even have a small allergic sensitivity to dust or mold then you will surely need a furnace with an air filter. A built in humidifier is really essential since without it the air in your home could be extremely dry and cause static electricity throughout your home, so it would probably be a good decision to get a furnace with a humidifier.
Brand:
A furnace is a major purchase so make sure you purchase a reputable brand that you know stands for longevity, quality and reliability.
Other Considerations:
Once you purchase your furnace you will need to find an HVAC contractor to install the furnace in your home. You will also want to make sure that your furnace includes a warranty.