When it’s time to look for a new furnace, there are a number of things you should think about before making a decision on a particular replacement furnace. With your space and your family’s needs in mind, Faust Air Conditioning and Heating can help you select the furnace that will keep your home warm and comfortable.
Fuel Source
One of the first things you need to think about is which fuel source your new furnace will use. The majority of furnaces in North America utilize natural gas, but some residences are set up to use liquified petroleum gas, propane or even electricity. It’s critical to know which type of fuel is needed for your new furnace.
Furnace Type
You’ll also want to determine which type of furnace you’d prefer to appropriately meet your needs. Furnaces are offered in single-stage, two-stage or variable capacity models. A single-stage furnace blows heat consistently at one speed and isn’t the strongest in efficiency amid these options. A two-stage furnace is a good fit for many homes. Stage one of a two-stage furnace operates at about 65 percent of its capacity, and stage two will kick in for a heating boost on the frigid Wharton days. But if you want to go for the ultimate choice in flexibility and efficiency, a variable capacity furnace may be a good option.
Unlike single- and two-stage models, variable capacity furnaces don’t have a set number of stages to go through to provide heat. A variable capacity furnace can actually work at different capacities to reach your heating needs.
Zoning
Whether you want to incorporate a zoning system with your replacement furnace is another feature to discuss. You could save on your energy bills by more efficiently using your furnace to heat the areas you typically use, rather than trying to keep every room at the same temperature. If you want more to know more about zoning solutions for your home, Faust Air Conditioning and Heating can help.
Size
Another key part of selecting the best furnace for your home is making sure it’s the proper size for your space. If your furnace is too large for your home’s heating needs, it will waste a lot of energy continuously cycling on and off. If your furnace is too small, it won’t be able to keep up on the coldest Wharton days.
Efficiency
Last, but certainly not least, you need to check your furnace’s energy efficiency rating. A furnace’s efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). This rating signifies the ratio of annual heat output of the furnace compared to the total annual fossil fuel energy it consumes. For example, an 80 percent AFUE rating means that 80 percent of energy in the fuel heats the home and the other 20 percent gets out through places like the furnace venting. In order to have a high-efficiency furnace, make sure to find a system with an AFUE rating of 90 to 98.7 percent.
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a replacement furnace. But, you’re not in this alone. Faust Air Conditioning and Heating is here to answer all of your questions and help you choose a furnace that suits your home and heating needs. Chat with our technicians at 979-323-6130 or schedule an appointment with us online.