Thoroughly research your options when looking into furnace replacement. Replacing your outdated or inefficient furnace can improve your home’s comfort and reduce energy costs.
There are several things to consider when evaluating furnace replacement:
Size – Furnaces come in a variety of sizes; it is important to select one that fits the needs of your home. A unit that is too small will not adequately heat the home. A furnace that is too large will not be energy efficient. Additionally, a furnace that is too large will turn off and on more frequently, resulting in additional wear and tear on the system. Be sure to choose a HVAC contractor who uses the “Manual J HVAC Residential Load Calculation,” the industry standard for determining your heating needs. This evaluation takes the home’s design, size, climate and construction of the home into consideration
Energy efficiency – The majority of the furnaces sold today are powered by natural gas. The efficiency of gas powered furnaces is measured by the AFUE, annual fuel utilization efficiency, rating. The rating is measured in percentages, with a higher number being more efficient. Over the past few decades, the technology used in furnaces has improved dramatically. An average furnace made in 1965 had an AFUE of 65 percent; today furnaces are required to have an AFUE rating of at least 78 percent and many models have ratings of as much as 97 percent. In addition to the AFUE, furnaces can be evaluated on how efficiently they use electricity. Electric energy use can vary greatly between models, even those with similar AFUE ratings.
Timing – Before deciding to pursue a furnace replacement, determine if your furnace can be easily repaired:
- Low airflow may be the result of a clogged filter
- Check the thermostat for loose wires or low batteries. Repairing the thermostat may address the issue
- Inspect the furnace’s power source. A burned fuse or tripped breaker may be preventing power from reaching the furnace’s fan or circuit board.
- Have the furnace inspected by a qualified HVAC technician to determine the cause of the issues.
Furnaces can be powered many ways, be sure to select a model that fits the energy sources in your home:
- Gas powered – Furnaces fueled by natural gas are the most common in the market today.
- Oil burning – Often found in older homes, oil burning furnaces can be found on the market. These types of furnaces are common in the northeastern United States.
- Electric options – Heat pumps function as both furnaces and air conditioning units and are powered by electricity. This option is commonly found in the South and Southwest, where we experience milder winters. Other electric options include baseboard heat and strip heaters.
While many furnace manufacturers offer similar options, features of furnaces vary by model. Understanding what options are important to you will help narrow down the choice for your furnace replacement.
- Variable speed blowers – These blowers can move air at lower rates of speed and are often quieter than their counterparts. The slower speed and ability to constantly move air reduces hot and cold spots in the home.
- Variable heat output – Often found with variable speed blowers, variable heat output allows the furnace to adjust the amount of heat delivered to the home. This feature is typically used when there is more than one level in the home.
- Air filtration – A HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) filter or electrostatic filter can decrease the amount of allergens and air irritants in your home. This feature is especially important to those dealing with allergies or asthma.
- Dual heat exchanger – A furnace’s heat exchanger is what collects heat from ignited natural gas. To increase the amount of heat that is extracted, furnaces with dual heat exchangers have a second heat exchanger which allows the furnace to be more fuel efficient.
- Zoned heating – Useful in larger homes, zoned heating allows areas of a home to be heated or cooled according to their needs. For example, a room with a large number of windows may need more conditioned air than a room that is fully enclosed.
- Warranty – Warranties can vary greatly between and within brands. Be sure to pay attention to both the manufacturer’s and labor warranty.
There are several major brands that specialize in manufacturing furnaces:
- American Standard
- Bryant
- Carrier
- Lennox
- Rheem
- Trane
For more information about furnace replacement or to learn how we can help improve your indoor air quality, contact us today. James Lane has served the HVAC needs of Wichita Falls and the surrounding area since 1957.
