With the winter season over, you may be thinking about your air conditioning unit and not your furnace. However, spring is the best season to buy a new furnace. With less demand and more options from which to choose, you'll surely appreciate not joining the furnace-buying rush in the fall. Here Stone Heating and Air shares three tips to take note of when buying a furnace.
Choose the right size. A furnace that's too big will short circuit, while a furnace that's too small will run continuously. When it comes to choosing the size, your best reference is your old furnace. If it works properly, then choose the same size for your new furnace.
Consider the furnace's AFUE. The AFUE, or annual fuel utilization efficiency, helps you make green choices. When it comes to your new furnace, the closer to 100% AFUE, the better. This is because furnaces with higher AFUE tend to help you save more on your energy and utility bills. Your old furnace may have an AFUE of 65% or lower. With the change, you'll surely notice that your bills are getting smaller.
Look for energy-efficient features. Modern furnaces come with features that can help improve your home's energy efficiency. Features to look for include:
- Modulated heating - This is a feature of furnaces with gas valves that can modulate the amount of heat the furnace dispenses. This helps keep the temperature within one or two degrees of the set point on the thermostat.
- Dual heat exchanger - With two heat exchangers, your furnace will do a more thorough job of warming your home.
- Variable-speed blower - This feature helps deliver warm air more slowly and with less noise.
If you're ready to look into a new furnace this spring, Stone Heating and Air is here to guide you in your selection and to help you with the installation. Call us now at (541) 855-5521 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.