Does the thought of buying a furnace make you start sweating like you’re … standing in front of a furnace? Here are some simple tips for buying a furnace to ease your concerns:
Get an estimate (or seven): The first thing you should always do when looking for the best price on a new furnace is ask some local contractors. You’ll get a good idea of what sounds like a fair price and what seems too expensive. You’ll always get to know your potential contractor ahead of time. Make sure you and the contractor are clear about the size of the furnace needed and that your contractor has properly assessed your home’s heating load.
Know your type: Most heating systems use natural gas, but the type of gas furnace and the energy efficiency of different furnaces need to be taken into consideration. Get to know the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating. The higher the efficiency rating, the more efficient it will be (and usually more costly). High-efficiency furnaces run from 90 percent AFUE to near 100 percent, meaning they convert nearly all of the fuel into heat for your home.
Reduce your heating load: If your home is like most homes, there’s plenty of room for improvement when it comes to energy efficiency. If you take some simple steps to reduce the heating load, you help save on your home energy savings. These steps also will help the environment and help make your new furnace last longer. Ways to reduce your home’s heating load include turning down the thermostat a few degrees during the heating season (with the help of a programmable thermostat), using curtains and drapes to block cool air during the evening and let in sunlight during the day, adding insulation where necessary, and sealing air leaks on your home’s perimeter and in the ductwork.
Now that you know what to do when buying a furnace, you’re ready to find the right residential furnace installer. Contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services for advice on selecting a furnace for your Dayton-area home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about buying a furnace and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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