Not feeling the heat? If so, that is one of many reasons you may need a new furnace. Other signs: rising heating bills; mounting repair costs; strange odors or noises. Whatever the reason or reasons, if it’s time to buy a new furnace, here are 15 tips. Note that since natural gas is the predominant fuel source used for furnaces, we will focus on natural gas furnaces.
- Who you buy it from. You want to make sure both the manufacturer and contractor are reputable and reliable and will be around. For both you will want to:
- Check with friends and relatives
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- Check Google ratings
- Check other objective third-party sources like Angi and the Better Business Bureau
- Check warranties (more on that later)
Note that contractors in Illinois do not need to be licensed. But make sure the contractor’s technicians are NATE-certified. Also check the contractor’s maintenance agreement (more on that later as well).
Size and Efficiency
- Size. Now that you have made that decision the next step is determining the right size unit. Obviously, too small is no good since it won’t generate the power to properly heat your home. But the bigger the better is also wrong; buy a unit that is too big, and it will turn on and off constantly or short cycle, increasing your utility bills and putting unnecessary wear and tear on the furnace. Size is measured in British Thermal Units (or BTUs). Size is determined by factors such as square footage, ceiling height, quality and placement of windows, and type and quality of insulation. Your contractor can help you determine the right size.
- Efficiency. Efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which measures how efficiently the furnace converts fuel into heat. The minimum requirement in the United States is 80% AFUE. In our region, 95% AFUE furnaces receive an Energy Star rating that can lead to tax credits. The maximum AFUE is 98%. Higher efficiency will also mean higher purchase price, but the added price will be offset over time by lower utility bills. Therefore, buy a furnace with the highest AFUE you can afford.
- Blower motors. Blower motors circulate air through the home. There are three types. From worst to best:
- Standard blower motors are generally found in older furnaces. They are the least expensive, but also the least efficient and will lead to higher utility bills.
- Constant torque motors are better than standard motors, but still not the best.
- Variable speed motors are the most efficient. They run at full speed to heat the home but then run at low or medium speed once the desired temperature is reached.
- Burners. There are also three types of burners. Again, from worst to last:
- Single stage burners are either on or off. They are the least efficient and therefore will generate the highest costs to run. They also provide inconsistent comfort and can be noisy. Try to avoid these.
- Two-stage/dual-stage burners run on two settings: high or low. Better but not the best.
- Modulating/multi-stage burners strike a balance between comfort and efficiency. They adjust to keep the temperature within two degrees of the programmed temperature. These are the best alternative.
- Zoning. You might want to consider zoning if you have a large house or a house where certain rooms are used more than others.
- HVAC system compatibility. Ensure your new furnace is properly matched to your home’s size and existing ductwork and AC system for optimal performance.
Other Features
- Noise. While furnaces can be noisy, there are some features that can minimize noise:
- Sealed and insulated cabinets
- Nearly silent gas burners
- Air filtration. Some models have built-in air filtration systems to help keep the air in your home clean and healthy.
- Smart thermostats. Wi-Fi enabled thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust settings from your tablet or mobile phone anywhere there is Wi-Fi connectivity. The best time to purchase a Wi-Fi thermostat is when you buy a furnace, so you know they are compatible.
- Air filtration. Models with built-in air filters or compatibility with high-efficiency filters improve indoor air quality.
Warranty and Maintenance
- Warranty. The heat exchanger should have a minimum warranty of at least 20 years; 10 years is common for other components. Also make sure you obtain a parts and labor warranty from your contractor.
- Maintenance. Make sure your contractor offers and you accept a maintenance plan. Annual maintenance is usually required to keep the warranty valid. In addition to providing service reminders, maintenance agreements can also include expedited service, service discounts and extended warranties.
Financial Considerations
- Rebates. Rebates are available from your local utility company as well as the state and federal government. Your heating contractor can help you with that.
- Financing. If you want to keep your money working for you, consider financing your furnace. 0% financing is frequently offered.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric to Help You Buy a New Furnace
The skilled HVAC technicians at Ravinia Plumbing can help you select and then install the right new furnace for your home. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 97 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 Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.