12 Tips for Buying a New Furnace

Is it time?  Is your furnace not heating your house the way it used to?  Are your heating bills or repair costs going up?  How about funny noises and funky smells?  Or maybe your furnace is old and due for a well-deserved retirement.  No matter what the reason, here are things to keep in mind when buying a new furnace.

1. Size – The Most Important Thing

When buying a new furnace, it needs to be sized right for your home.  Too small and the furnace won’t warm your home properly.  But bigger is not necessarily better.  Too big and the furnace will short cycle or constantly turn off and on, driving up your energy bills and possibly causing the furnace to wear out sooner.

Size is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. Factors that go into sizing include square footage, insulation quality and the type, size and location of windows among other things.  Have your heating contractor do a load inspection to determine the right sized unit for your home.

2. Efficiency – The More, The Better

Furnace efficiency is measured by Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE.  In the U.S., the minimum requirement is 80% AFUE.  In our area, a furnace with 95% AFUE qualifies for an ENERGY STAR rating that can lead to tax credits when buying a new furnace.

The maximum AFUE is 98%.  The higher the AFUE, the higher the price of the furnace.  Go for the highest you can afford because the additional cost will be offset by lower energy bills over the life of the furnace.

3. Fuel Sources

There are three types of fuel sources:

• Natural gas, which is by far the most common and most economical option.
• Electric, which is usually only used in homes lacking a natural gas line.
• Propane is appropriate for small areas but not recommended. Unlike natural gas or electricity, propane runs out and you will need a spare tank. 

4. Burners

There are three different types of burners with varying degrees of comfort and efficiency.

• Single-stage burners are either on or off. These provide inconsistent comfort and are the least efficient and, therefore, most expensive from an energy use standpoint.  They can also be noisy. Try to stay away from them.
• Two-stage/dual-stage burners run on high or low. Better, but not the best.
• Modulating/multi-stage burners adjust to any level between off and high and keep your home within two degrees of the programmed temperature. They strike the best balance of efficiency and comfort.

5. Blower Motors

Blower motors circulate air throughout your home.  There are three types:

• Standard blower motors have been around forever, and they are usually found in non-ENERGY STAR units. These are the least expensive, but also the least efficient.  Try to avoid them.
• Constant torque motors strike a balance between cost and energy. Better, but not the best.
• Variable speed motors are the most efficient. When they need to run at full speed they can, but once your home reaches a desired temperature they can run at low or medium speed.

6. Silence Is Golden

Furnaces can be noisy, and there have been new advances in noise management.  These include:

• Nearly silent gas burners
• Sealed and insulated cabinets

7. Smart Thermostats

These devices allow you to program the temperature based upon time of day, whether you are home or away, etc.  Wi-Fi allows you to monitor and adjust settings through your tablet or mobile phone wherever you can get a Wi-Fi signal.  The best time to purchase a smart thermostat is when you’re buying a new furnace, so you know they are compatible.

8. Zoning

If you have a large house or a home where certain rooms are used more than others, zoning can create additional efficiencies.  You can use different thermostats to control different areas of your home.

9. Warranty

Make sure your unit comes with both a manufacturer’s warranty as well as a parts and labor warranty through your heating contractor.  The heat exchanger should have at least a 20-year warranty, and 10 years is common for other components.

10. Rebates

The state and federal government, as well as your utility company, may provide rebates when buying a new furnace.  Again, your heating contractor can help you.

11. Quality Manufacturer

You’ll want to invest in a furnace from a company that will be around and that you can trust.  Check with friends and relatives, Google ratings, and objective third parties like Angi, Best Pick Reports, and the Better Business Bureau,

12. Reputable Dealer

While HVAC contractors do not need to be licensed in Illinois, you’ll want to make sure they are fully trained, NATE-certified, and insured.  You’ll also want to make sure they’ve been around for a while.  And of course, check with friends and relatives, and the objective third parties mentioned above.

Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for a New Furnace

If the time has come for buying a new furnace, Ravinia Plumbing’s trained, insured, NATE certified HVAC technicians can help you select and then install the furnace that fits your needs. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.