When you are looking for the best gas furnaces, it is important that you take all of your options into consideration. With the proper research you are sure to find the perfect model.
Replacing your old furnace with a new, more efficient model can save you money, pollute less, and also boost comfort by even flow of heat throughout the house. The most common heating fuel is gas. When looking for the best gas furnace, it is important that you take many things into account. With patience and a little research, you are sure to find the right model for your needs.
There are many aspects involved with choosing the best gas furnace for your home, such as a high efficiency gas furnace, the size, energy efficiency rating, and cost. You will also have to research the different companies who manufacture and sell these products in order to determine which model will best suit your needs. The available models can be broken down into the following categories: high energy efficiency, multi-stage for the most comfortable home environment, and highly affordable, budget models. Each one is suited towards a particular need so you will have to consider your options to figure out which gas furnace would work out best for you.
The best gas furnaces have great fuel efficiency, so a rating system such as AFUE has been devised. The higher this rating comes to 100 percent, the closer it is to being completely efficient. However, a higher rating also comes with a much higher price tag so it is best to go with something around the 80-90 percent area. A 90 percent model will feature a significant long term decrease in your energy bill. However, the high initial cost can balance out what you would save. In some states/countries, it is possible to get a tax credit for purchasing this type of model.
If you are interested in a comfortable home environment, the best gas furnaces for your needs would be the multistage modulating furnace. These are best at maintaining a consistent temperature in the home. In addition, they are fairly inexpensive to operate. Of course, they can be quite costly and may even require some new vents or other modifications in your home. The secret of these devices is that they possess variable speed blowers. Even though they are typically highly efficient, you won’t save anything, even in
the long run due to the high upfront costs.
How to get the Installation Process Started
- Do research for a reputable contractor and get an estimate of his costs. Ask his opinion about the furnace you have in mind, and if it is fairly new whether he has noticed any problems with it.
- Speak to people in the neighbourhood about what they use.
- Consider the size of the unit. A furnace that’s too small won’t keep the house warm during extreme winter months. A larger size, however, that’s too large for the house will click on and off more times and wear out components, waste energy, and might cause fluctuating temperatures.
- Hire a contractor who can do a proper installation. Your neighbors who also have furnaces, can tell you what they have and whether they’ve had any problems.
- Maintain the furnace regularly. The most common reasons for call-outs are for furnaces which have been poorly maintained, or for improper installation.
- As size matters, efficiency also plays a part. The most common heating fuel is gas; most new heating systems use gas. An efficient furnace generates fewer emissions, which is good for the environment.
- Calculate annual operating costs of different models in a range of efficiencies.
The price of a new furnace is calculated with the degree of fuel efficiency it provides. A furnace with a higher percentage of AFUE might cost considerably more than a similar size unit, but with a lower percentage of AFUE. Because of its fuel saving benefit, you can easily get back that additional cost through lower fuel bills and over its lifetime. This feature is especially advantageous in states where some winters can be quite harsh. Make sure that the quotes you receive also reflect the cost of any changes to venting that may be required. Be aware that the electricity to run furnaces with different AFUEs can vary. Take into account the climate where you live. How well your home is insulated also is a contributing factor.
Check out the budget furnaces with a low upfront cost. Installation is easy and you will rarely require modifications in your home. One of the drawbacks of these units, however, is that you will have a higher energy bill. AFUE ratings will typically be around the 80 percent level.
Make your home more energy-efficient by doing the following:
- Turn down the thermostat in winter; just two degrees cooler will save you money and reduce emissions by a great percentage.
- Turn the thermostat down even lower when you are away for the weekend, or for more than two days. Make sure though that it is not turned down so low that it is icy cold when you get back.
- Draw the curtains at night. Go to bed with a hot water bottle. Wear a warm item of clothing in the house.
- Draw back drapes from the windows on sunny days during the winter to benefit from free solar heating.
- Reduce heat loss from ducts by sealing leaks and, where feasible, insulate ducts.
- Make a fire to create a cozy atmosphere and to feel warmer. Your choice will be largely influenced by cost, but you know what you can afford and what is best for you.
