How do most people go about buying a furnace? First, they call contractors and ask for estimates. But there are some important things you should know first, so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Furnace Size
The furnace’s specifications should fit your needs. A furnace that’s too small won’t keep your house comfortable during extremely-cold weather.
Partly to avoid that possibility, the furnaces in most homes are larger than necessary. Initial cost is only one of the drawbacks of that strategy. A furnace that’s too large will cycle on and off more frequently. That puts more wear on its components, wastes energy, and might cause the temperature to vary. Also, a larger replacement furnace might require larger ducts. Without the right size ducts, airflow can be noisy.
Energy Efficiency
Gas is currently the most common heating fuel and most new central-heating systems use gas. How efficiently a furnace converts gas into heating energy is reflected in its annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is measured as a percentage. The higher the number, the more heat the furnace can wring from each therm of gas. Since efficient furnaces generate fewer emissions, environmental considerations might also influence your decision.
Furnaces have become more energy-efficient over the years. A gas furnace made in the early 1970s typically has an AFUE of about 65 percent. The lowest efficiency allowed by law for new gas furnaces is 78 percent, and some new models achieve 97 percent—near-total efficiency.
The price of a furnace generally rises in step with its fuel efficiency. A furnace with a 90 percent AFUE might cost $1,000 more than a similar size unit with an 80 percent AFUE. But you can often recoup that additional cost through lower fuel bills over the life of the furnace—especially in regions such as the Midwest, where winters can be harsh.
You can make your home more energy-efficient in several ways. Turn down the thermostat in winter; just two degrees cooler will save you money and reduce emissions by about 6 percent. You might not even feel the difference, especially at night or when you’re out of the house (a programmable thermostat can help here). Draw the curtains at night to block the chill from a cold window. Keep the windows covered on sunny days during the summer, and uncover them on sunny days during the winter to benefit from some free solar heating. Reduce heat loss from ducts by sealing leaks and, where feasible, insulating ducts.
Popular Brands
Carrier is another leading manufacturer and marketers of gas central furnaces. Carrier central furnaces are available in single and multistage configurations with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than. Carrier markets units that meet Energy Star requirements and makes others that it claims offer quiet operation. A new line of hybrid heat systems that use gas and an electric heat pump was recently introduced The average price of a Carrier central gas furnace is about $2,800 and Carriers are sold through their dealer network.
Goodman is one of the leading manufacturer and marketers of gas central furnaces. Goodman central furnaces are available in single and multistage configurations with some models capable of an AFUE rating of more than 90 percent. The average price of a Goodman central gas furnace is about $3,000 and Goodman they are sold through their dealer network.
Maintenance
A service plan that combines regular inspections with discounts on repairs and a labor warranty is worth adding to protect your furnace. Prices for such service vary widely. At a minimum, regular inspections should include these steps:
• Full Safety Check
• Combustion Analysis
• Carbon Monoxide Test
• Replace Air Filters
• Clean and Adjust Burner Assembly
• Calibrate Thermostat
• Check Air Flow
Contact Us
We are members of the Better Business Bureau and Minnesota Electrical Association. Please give us a call at 763-422-1421 with any questions about Furnace Installation and Repair.