Considering A New Furnace? 5 Things To Keep In Mind

Posted on: 1 February 2017

Share

Buying a new furnace is a large financial commitment, but it can quickly pay off in lower utility bills and a more comfortable home. When deciding to buy a new furnace, here are five things to keep in mind:

Modern Furnaces Are Much More Efficient

If your current furnace is an older model, you may be amazed at how much more efficient a new model can be. Furnaces are being designed for optimal efficiency, which means your home will stay warmer and more comfortable with less energy output. This increased efficiency easily translates to lower electric bills, while also reducing your carbon footprint—a change you can feel great about.

You Have Several Options for Your Furnace Replacement

In addition to traditional heating systems, today there are many alternative forms of heating to choose from when replacing your furnace. One option that is growing in popularity is a zoned heating system, which allows you to create individual zones throughout your home. This means you can keep the rooms that get used the most often at a comfortable temperature while lowering the heat in spaces that don't get much use, like storage rooms.

Another option is a ductless mini split, which cools your home in the summer and heats it in the winter, while also being especially quiet and energy efficient. Your HVAC company will help you explore your various options to determine what makes the most sense for your heating and cooling needs, your home's structure and size, and your budget.

Your Old Furnace May Be the Wrong Size

Another major benefit of purchasing a new furnace is that your old one may be the wrong size, and replacing it gives you the opportunity to buy the best size for your home and your heating needs. If your furnace is too small for your home, your home will be unevenly heated, and some areas of your home will never be as comfortable as you would like. If your furnace is too large for your home, on the other hand, it will waste energy and leave you stuck with expensive utility bills each month.

You can use online estimators to get an idea of the best size of furnace for your home, but you will probably need a professional to make the final decision.

If Your Furnace Is in Frequent Need of Repair, It's Time to Upgrade

Occasionally having issues with your furnace isn't a huge deal, but if you find yourself with the furnace repair guy's number on speed dial, it's probably time for a replacement. The money you are sinking into keeping an old, outdated furnace (barely) running could be going toward a new model that works well and is more efficient. Signs that your old furnace is on its last legs include loud clanking sounds, unpleasant odors, inconsistent heating, and electricity bills that are suddenly through the roof, even though you keep the temperature consistent.

You May Qualify for Rebates

If you buy an energy-efficient new furnace, you may qualify for tax incentives from your state government or rebates from the manufacturer or your local utility company. These vary by state and location, so it's best to do your research and ask the furnace company if they know of any current rebates or incentives before you make your purchase. These incentives and rebates are in place to encourage consumers to buy more efficient appliances and to help offset the cost, so be sure to keep them in mind.

By following these tips, you will make the best decision when it comes to replacing your old furnace with a new model. Contact a company like Sullivan Super Service to learn more.