Choosing the Right Furnace for Your Home

Furnaces play a vital role when it comes to keeping your house warm in harsh winters. An efficient furnace will not only keep it cozy but also save you money in the long run. If you are looking to replace an old furnace or buy a new one, you have come to the right place. Here are a few tips that will assist you in choosing the right furnace for your home.

1.Consider your budget

It is essential to narrow down your budget before one starts looking at options. Too much choice can be paralyzing. Setting aside your budget will allow you to look at options that will not cost a fortune.

2.The size of the furnace

The size of the furnace is vital to heating up your home. If the furnace is too big, it will consume too much fuel/energy and add excessive amounts to your utility bills. If the furnace is too small, then it will fail to heat up your entire house, or the heat distribution will be uneven.

Installation of the right size furnace can be judged by square footage, the number of windows, and insulation type. Get your house evaluated by an HVAC specialist to get an approximation of the best size.

3.Fuel source

There are numerous fuel sources available out there, but the most popular ones are gas, oil, and electricity. Narrowing down the best choice is easy for you as you only need to consider two factors. Is the fuel source available readily, and is the fuel source cheap?

Gas furnaces are usually the cheapest to install and run as it is readily available in almost all areas. However, suppose gas is not available in your area. In that case, you can go for either an oil or electricity fueled furnace.

If you have a small home, then an electricity fueled furnace is best as they heat efficiently and do not add much to the utility bill.

4.Does the furnace have an easy user interface?

Do not choose furnaces that are way too complex to operate. Each furnace comes with a manual thermostat that can be used to adjust the indoor temperature.

5.Maintenance

The average lifespan for a furnace is 15 to 20 years with the proper care. Always choose high-efficiency furnaces as they will cost you less on repairs in the long run.

A furnace maintenance is not just to lengthen its lifespan, but it is also vital for your family’s health. Your furnace should be inspected after six months or once annually.

This will ensure that there are no cracks that may result in gas leakage. Your furnace also comes fitted with filters. These filters need to be changed regularly, and a general rule of thumb is to get them changed every 3 or 4 months.