In order to find the best HVAC system for your home, whether a combined system or just a furnace, you should first learn about the different options available. That way you will not buy a furnace that works just okay only to learn later that there might be a better heating & air conditioning option for your needs.
So, if you think it is time to buy a new furnace, take these steps to ensure you are getting something that will work for you and your family.
Learn About Furnace Types
If you want to buy a furnace specifically, you should start by reviewing the different types of furnaces available. You can buy a furnace that uses gas, oil, or electricity, and we will dig into that a bit deeper in a moment. Oil and electric furnaces are right for some instances, but most St. Louis area homes use gas. There are three types of gas furnace:
- Single-Stage: If you buy a furnace with a single-stage design, gas will flow into the furnace at one, high rate. This can work well for short-term heating, but is not the best choice for colder climates.
- Two-Stage: As you might guess, a two-stage furnace can alternate between higher and lower settings in order to meet your home’s changing heating needs over time.
- Modulating: Like a two-stage furnace, a modulating furnace can adjust the flow of gas. A modulating furnace, though, gives you even closer control gas flow and temperature.
Find the Right Fuel Source
What are the conditions in which it might make sense to buy a furnace that runs on oil or electricity? For those with limited access to gas, oil furnaces are a good alternative. If neither oil nor gas is available, an electric furnace is your only option. Electric furnaces are also the cheapest to buy and install, but they tend to be more costly to run than the other options.
Consider Energy Efficiency
In addition to choosing gas over electric, you should look out for indicators about energy efficiency when you buy a furnace. All furnaces get an AFUE rating that indicates how efficient they are. A 90% rating, for instance, indicates that 90% of the energy consumed by the system goes toward heating your home, rather than being lost or wasted. For all but the coldest regions, an 80% rating is usually a reasonable minimum.
Select the Right Size
Finally, you will want to make sure you buy a furnace that is sized correctly for your home. If you buy a furnace that is too small, it will not effectively heat your home. If you buy a furnace that is too big, you will waste money on fuel and operating costs. Make sure to ask your heating & air conditioning service provider to estimate the heating needs of your home before you buy. They can help you calculate what size furnace you need based on the size of your home, how many windows it has, and other factors.
Get More Information on Buying a Furnace
If you are in the market to buy a furnace and would like to talk to a trusted heating & air conditioning professional, connect with Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis today. We are here to answer any questions you may have and help you ascertain the best furnace for your needs.
