Perhaps your old furnace is not functioning to its optimum or is damaged beyond repair. Whatever the case, it might require immediate replacement. Winter is only a few months away. It is high time for you to consider the replacement. It ensures your family feels cozy and comfortable during the harsh, cold winter months. You have to make the correct choice.
Things to consider
l Energy efficiency: Manufacturers provide ‘Annual Fuel-Utilization Efficiency’ or AFUE ratings to furnaces. It measures the unit’s annual gas consumption. Higher numbers depict less gas wastage while heating. The minimum efficiency rating is 80 AFUE. However, less than that will mean you waste precious energy and spend more on paying utility bills. It requires immediate replacement.
l Installation quality and unit size: For maximum comfort and peak efficiency, the furnace should be of appropriate size to fit your home. Bigger is better avoided. It is a wrong notion that a large furnace offers more comfort or is more reliable. Oversized units might turn off and on constantly or will short cycle. You will experience expensive energy bills.
l Sound reduction technology: Incorrect installation might cause the unit to make disturbing noises. New units are designed to reduce noise significantly and to offer optimum comfort. A few essential features include silent gas burners, variable-speed blowers, and insulated and sealed cabinets. It ensures that your unit does not make irritating sounds as it functions. The certified Furnace replacement services can achieve this feat.
l Blower motor: Blower technology is an important consideration when evaluating new furnaces. It ensures better air circulation throughout the home. However, it requires lots of energy to operate. The blowers available are:
· Variable speed motor: Energy-efficient units operate at diverse speeds. They run quietly at medium or low speed. It helps reduce energy costs and improves comfort. It also controls indoor humidity.
· Constant torque motor: It balances effectively between energy efficiency and cost. It boosts energy efficiency over conventional motor design. You may consider investing in a Water heater in Foothills.
· Standard blower motor: They are not rated with Energy Star and have not changed for the last three decades. It is not energy efficient. Although cheap, it is not reliable.
l Warranty: A branded unit comes with a manufacturer warranty. It protects consumers from manufacturing defects. The coverage areas are:
· Main components: It involves key parts, including ignitors, electronic controls, and a blower motor. It may have a limited warranty period of 1 to 10 years.
· Heat exchanger: It is an expensive component. The unit may have a lifetime limited warranty or a 20-year warranty. The time period depends on the model and manufacturer.
l Smart Thermostat: A programmable thermostat might not allow you to optimize energy savings. Daily changing schedules might make it difficult to program them. A quality thermostat ensures energy efficiency. Few models select your temperature preferences. They devise energy-saving schedules. They adjust cooling and heating by sensing your presence. You can make necessary adjustments and monitor the settings from your smartphone.
Make an educated choice!
Do not rush with the unit replacement. Instead, consider the above aspects and determine your specific requirements. The objective is to save precious money and optimize unit efficiency.