Buying a New Furnace

Are your energy bills skyrocketing as the bitter cold of winter knocks at your door?  One way to save on energy costs is to replace an old furnace with a newer, more efficient unit.  Do you know how old your current furnace is?  If it’s more than 10 years old, chances are that you’re sacrificing a substantial portion of your budget on wasted energy.

You can lower your utility bills and maximize comfort by upgrading to a new, efficient furnace.  There are many options to choose from, so here are some things to consider before making your investment…

Price Doesn’t Always Equal Value

Do your research before you buy.  You can ask a professional installer, contractor, or credible salesperson for recommendations.  Try to get estimates on annual operating costs so that you can compare the short-term investment up front to the long-term benefits.  Furnaces that are extremely efficient can cost more to purchase, but can save you a ton of money over the years by significantly lowering your energy costs.  Reliability is another thing to consider with value.  Paying a ridiculously low price for a furnace could mean risking reliability and suffering through the cold while you wait for a repair.

Emissions

Higher energy efficiency means lower emissions and minimized environmental impact.  You can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by choosing a new furnace with low emissions ratings.  There are several heat source options to choose from including wood, oil, natural gas, and electric.  Advanced technology has also led to the creation of ‘hybrid’ furnace units that can be the ultimate solution for comfort and environmental consciousness.

Size

Have a professional installer evaluate the size of your home or business to determine the correct furnace capacity for the job.  If a furnace is too large, there can be gaps in temperature as the unit cools down which overwhelms the thermostat and can create inconsistent temperature control in the space.  Likewise, a furnace that is too small for the space needing to be heated will make it difficult to stay comfortable.  Choosing a furnace that is the correct size will give you consistent comfort and maximum efficiency.

Installation and Maintenance

Have your new furnace installed and inspected by a trained professional.  It isn’t worth risking the safety of your home and family to save a few bucks by going with someone who is inexperienced.  Besides making sure the equipment operates safely, a professional installer will also ensure that you get the highest efficiency possible to save you the most money on energy usage.  You can also arrange regular maintenance on your new furnace to extend its longevity and keep it in optimum working order.

Request All Records and Documentation

You should ask to receive a copy of all papers from the installer and manufacturer of the furnace.  Make you get records of purchase agreements, warrantee information, and clear and complete explanations of the product and services provided.

The most important thing to remember is that a new furnace is an investment.  Do your research and ask reputable professionals for advice and recommendations.  Your final decision should keep you more comfortable and keep your wallet fuller for many winters to come.