Buying a New Furnace: What Should You Know?

The furnace in your home is essential to maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round. However, buying a new furnace can be overwhelming for many homeowners, as many options and factors are available. Here, we will take a look at some of the things you need to know before buying a new furnace for your home. Additionally, we'll recommend excellent furnace maintenance in Hillsdale, NJ, to ensure your new furnace keeps you and your loved ones warm and comfortable for as long as possible.

What Is a Furnace?

A furnace is a device that circulates warm air through your home and heats the rooms in your house. Some furnaces also circulate cool air during the summer to cool your house down. There are various furnaces available, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, some furnaces connect to a central air unit that services multiple rooms in the house at once, while others are installed directly on the wall of your home to heat a single room.

Types of Furnaces

Part of what makes buying a new furnace stressful is the sheer number of options available. Without background knowledge of the various types of furnaces on the market, it can be challenging to determine which is right for your home. In order to make it easier for you to choose the ideal furnace for your home, let's take a look at some of the more common ones on the market today:

Gas Furnaces

Natural gas is one of the most popular heating fuels in the U.S. because it provides a steady heat supply while minimizing pollution and environmental harm. The majority of gas furnaces available on the market today are high-efficiency models that use less energy than older models while providing the same or more heat. This type of furnace is ideal for homeowners who are concerned about lowering their energy costs while still maintaining a warm and comfortable environment in their homes.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are another heating system standard in the U.S. These units are often the cheapest option when installing a furnace in your home. However, due to their lower efficiency, electric furnaces cost significantly more than traditional gas furnaces. For this reason, many homeowners choose to install an electric furnace only in areas that do not have access to natural gas lines or where heating costs are exceptionally high. Still, electric furnaces are a popular choice for homeowners on a budget because they are easy to install and require minimal maintenance.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems are prevalent because they provide homeowners with energy-efficient heating and cooling without requiring ductwork. These units consist of a compressor and an evaporator that contractors mount on a wall in your home, with a series of supply ducts connected to an outdoor condenser outside your home.

A small blower then disperses air into the room through small vents in the wall. Because there are no ducts to contend with, these units are significantly less expensive than conventional central heating and air conditioning systems. However, they require more regular maintenance than standard gas or electric furnaces and often require installation by a professional contractor for the best results.

Factors to Consider When Buying a New Furnace

Beyond simply understanding the different heating systems available, it is also essential to consider various factors when choosing a new furnace. In the following few sections, we'll outline some of the most important considerations you should address before buying a new furnace for your home.

Efficiency

One of the most important factors to consider is energy efficiency. All furnaces receive a rating according to their energy efficiency, and the higher this number is, the more efficient the unit will be. For a typical home, a gas furnace with a 90% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating will provide the most comfort at the lowest energy cost. The higher the efficiency rating, the more money you'll save on heating and cooling costs. 

Size

Another critical factor to consider when buying a new furnace is the size required to efficiently heat your home. The optimal size of your furnace depends on multiple factors, including the size and layout of your home. To get an accurate idea of how large your furnace should be, you will need to speak with a qualified HVAC technician who can help to determine the optimum size for your space.

Installation

Finally, it's crucial to consider the installation process for whatever type of furnace you choose. Some furnaces are more challenging to install than others, which can significantly increase your furnace installation's overall cost. Generally, it's also wise to invest in professional installation, as any mistakes in the installation process can cause damage to the unit and even hazards to those in the home. Furnaces are complex devices, and installing one yourself is not generally recommended unless you have the proper training and experience.

So, if you're in the market for a new furnace, keep the above factors in mind to ensure you choose the right system for your needs and budget.

Get Help Installing Your New Furnace Today

Finding the right furnace for your home doesn't have to be a challenge. With the help of the experts at Gladiator Services, you can quickly and easily find the right size furnace for your home. Our team works with each client to determine their heating needs and then helps them to select the ideal model to fit those needs. Whether you're interested in single stage furnaces or alternative fuel sources, we can get your furnace installed safely and efficiently.

If you want to know if you can keep your furnace when replacing your AC or would like answers to other standard heating and cooling questions, feel free to explore our website to find other helpful articles like this one. Then, when you're ready to start buying a new furnace for your home, call Gladiator Services at 201-512-8972 to speak to a helpful representative and schedule your service.