The furnace is an essential aspect of maintaining comfort for many homes. It also contributes to the monthly expenses, so these days, efficiency is key. If you are thinking about upgrading your furnace, you should have an idea of what to look for before you set out on your quest to find a nice furnace. This knowledge will help you make decisions that will boost efficiency and lower you monthly costs.

  1. The size of your home. Let’s start with the most important consideration, and one some homeowners overlook. Modern furnaces offer much better performance so you don’t have to choose one of the larger types. Do not buy a furnace based on the size of your old one. The choice depends on the size of your home and the number of rooms.
  2. How energy efficient is your home? If heat generated inside the home escapes, this will force your furnace to work harder. This means more wear and tear, and it will drive your heating bills too. Make sure that all areas where air can escape are properly sealed to increase the efficiency of your new furnace.
  3. Consider the AFUE rating. This is an important factor for any furnace buying exercise. The AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) is basically the thermal efficiency rating. The higher the AFUE, the better the performance you can expect in terms of fuel input and its conversion to heat.
  4. Choose one with a smart motor. This will increase your comfort level and lead to lower heating costs. Smart motors use less energy than standard types, sometimes a much as 75% less. These types automatically adjust to changes inside the home to maintain constant airflow.
  5. Gas, oil or electric. An electric furnace is not the best choice if you want to save money as it can increase your monthly electricity bill. Oil requires more storage space, and it does not burn as cleanly as gas, which is the most economical option. In older homes without gas lines, oil furnaces may be the best option. You will need to choose the best fuel depending on what I most important to you, the environment or reduction in utility bills.

A heating system is vital when the cold season hits. In areas with long winters, cost efficiency should be a primary concern. It is often recommended that you change your old furnace even if it is still working. A newer type will heat your home more efficiently and help you spend less. No matter what type you choose, talk to your chimney sweep about a maintenance schedule to keep your home safe. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 if you’d like to discuss different options for heating your home during the winter and the impact your chimney has on your choices.