Furnace Replacement: What You Need To Know Before You Start Shopping

Furnace Replacement: What You Need To Know Before You Start Shopping

If your furnace is getting old, malfunctioning frequently, or costing more than it should in fuel and repair costs, it’s time to replace it. Here are some points to keep in mind as you compare heating systems and choose your furnace replacement.

Type
Furnaces fueled by natural gas are the most common. They offer good levels of heating and efficient operation at a reasonable cost. Gas fuel is usually readily available, though prices can vary widely. Fuel oil and electric furnaces are also an option if natural gas heating is not feasible.

Efficiency 
High-efficiency furnaces are more expensive, but over time they are very cost-effective. They make better use of the fuel they burn to produce heat, reducing your seasonal heating bills. Look for a unit with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, a number that represents how much energy in the fuel is converted to usable heat. Higher AFUE means better efficiency.

Size
Make sure the furnace you buy is correctly sized: big enough to do the job, but not too big for the space to be heated. A too-small furnace will work harder to heat your home, while a furnace that is too big can overheat your home and waste fuel and energy.

Features
Furnaces are available with several money-saving and efficiency-boosting features, including:

• Variable-speed blowers: Blowers move air from the furnace into your home. Variable-speed models can run at lower levels when less heat is required.
• Programmable thermostats: These digital controllers give you greater control over when, how long, and at what level your furnace runs.
• Air filtration systems: These can be installed directly into the system to trap airborne contaminants and increase indoor air quality.

Air-Tro Inc. is trusted source of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services. Since 1969, we’ve provided design, installation, repair, and maintenance to customers in the greater Los Angeles area, including L.A. and Orange Counties, Riverside metro, and San Bernardino County. Contact us todayfor answers to your questions about furnace replacement, to get an estimate on a new heating system, or to schedule an installation.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace replacement and other HVAC topics, visit our website.

Air-Tro Inc. services the greater Los Angeles area as well as the metro areas of Riverside and San Bernardino County.