Furnaces
Do You Need a New Furnace?
Is your furnace more than 15 years old?
* If you answered yes, then read on.
Does your furnace need frequent repairs?
!
* Frequent repairs are a good indicator that it's time for something new.
Do your heating bills seem out of control?
!
* Most likely an old, inefficient furnace is to blame.
Do you notice that the house doesn't get quite as warm or that the furnace is constantly running?
* You may need to check the ducts for properly sealed connections. If there are no leaks, then chances are that your furnace has reached the end of its life.
Are you getting low air flow?
* The furnace's
filter could be clogged. Clean out the filter and see how it works. If you still have problems then it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Do you get drafts or uneven heating?
* Your furnace probably needs replacing.
What Size Furnace Do I Need?
Size is important. You need something that suits your home. A furnace that is too small will make heating your house a challenge. Something too big will waste energy and cost you more money. Remember, oversized furnaces tend to wear out quicker than smaller ones, so work to find one that's just right for your home.
AFUE Less Dollars Spent
Besides finding the furnace of the proper size, getting a furnace with good efficiency is another money saving trick. AFUE, or annual fuel utilization efficiency, rates how much gas you will have to spend to produce energy. The lowest rating is 78%, however, better models rate in the 90th percentile. While cost raises respectively with the efficiency rating, it is well worth it in the long run, especially if you live in an area where winters are long and cold. Another factor that will affect the efficiency of the furnace is how well your home is insulated and the price of gas and electric in your area. Keep in mind that gas furnaces are more efficient than oil furnaces.
Always ask your contractor to give you several estimates based on climate, fuel costs and your home's ability to retain heat for a variety of furnaces. You can then compare costs with features offered on different models before making a decision. Check out
AHRI.org (the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) for reports on efficiency ratings. The files on the furnaces are quite long, but they are up to date and very informative.
Breaking Down the Jargon
* '''Heat Output''': There are two types of heat output on furnaces: variable and fixed. Variable heat output will supply a better flow of heat because it can produce two levels of heat. Combined with a variable blower, the comfort level is increased that much more.
* '''Blowers''': Variable
speed blowers, rather than fixed ones, allows for a more balanced heat dispersal. When you need heat it will deliver, therefore, through regulation it will cause fewer drafts and keep the air more comfortable.
* '''Ignition System''': Instead of a pilot light, which can be a safety hazard, an
ignitor has become more popular on today's furnaces. It increases efficiency and saves energy.
* '''Warranty''': The better the efficiency of a furnace, the longer the warranty. Warranties are very important with furnaces so it's best to look for a furnace with as long a warranty as possible.
* '''Exchanger''': Heat exchangers are what extract the heat from the burning gas. Less expensive models will come with a single exchanger, but more efficient models come with a dual exchanger. The second exchanger, usually built out of stainless steel.
* '''Air Filtration''':
electrostatic filters are specialty filters for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
* '''Zoned Heating''': This extra feature is particularly useful if you have a large home. Through a series of thermostats, controls, and dampers, the furnace can regulate how much heat is distributed in a certain area of the house. It helps save energy and money in the long run. Smaller homes probably don't need this though.
Quick Picks
Major Manufacturers
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Armstrong
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Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems
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Fedders Unitary Products
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Goodman
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Lennox
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Olsen
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Rheem
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Tempstar
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Trane
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York
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