Winter is almost here once again, and the question on many homeowners’ minds is, “Is my furnace ready?” This is a good time to call your heating and AC contractor and have them inspect your furnace to get it ready for the cold of winter. More than a few homeowners are shopping around right now for a replacement. If you’re one of them, this is the information you need.
What should you look for in a new furnace? Here are the pointers to remember:
The Proper Size
A furnace that’s too big will be inefficient. That’s because it will keep short-cycling, which means it will turn off and on continuously. An undersized furnace will be just as inefficient because it has to keep running continuously to heat a home that’s too big for its capacity. Work with a professional heating and air conditioning company to get equipment that’s the right size.
A High AFUE
AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. The closer to 100% the AFUE rating of a furnace is, the better for you. This means the furnace is very energy efficient. Old units typically reach an AFUE of only 65% or lower.
The Right Features
Your new furnace should be equipped with a few modern features, such as an efficient ignition system. It should also have a gas valve for proper heat modulation, which will ensure more even heating throughout your entire house. A variable-speed blower produces much less noise, as it delivers heat more slowly. Finally, make sure the furnace has a dual heat exchanger for more efficient gas burning and heat delivery.
Energy Usage Audit
It’s a good idea to call a professional for an energy usage audit of your home. A professional AC repair technician might be able to do this for you. You can find out how your furnace uses energy as well as the other appliances and equipment in your home so you can make adjustments.
Get in touch with The Ice-Man for more information on what furnace to get. Call us at (609) 466-9020 or use our form to schedule an appointment.