What You Should Know Before Buying a New Furnace

Whether you are buying a new furnace to replace an old, inefficient one or you are purchasing a new furnace for installation in a brand new home, there are a few things you will need to consider.

If you are replacing an old furnace, you will need to think about how easily the new furnace will be able to fit into the existing designated HVAC area. Unless you want to remodel that section of your home, you will need to find a unit that fits the allotted size. Furthermore, the existing ductwork and wiring should be utilized as best as possible, but it can be difficult to find a brand new furnace that meets the specifications of a model that is more than 20 years old. When you can find a new furnace that can fit into your existing area seamlessly, you will have considerably less work to do and you can begin saving money on energy bills quickly and without having to rewire or install new ductwork.

If you are keeping your existing ductwork, it is imperative that you make sure it is able to handle the air put out by the new furnace. Remember that you will be saving a considerable amount of money on energy bills with a new energy efficient HVAC system, but modifying and replacing your current ductwork is an expense that may offset what you save on energy costs.

Another thing you must think about when deciding on a new furnace is the type that you need. With new construction, you have a bit of a choice as to what type of heating and cooling system you want. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so what it comes down to is personal preference and fuel/electricity cost in your region. Modern HVAC systems are manufactured with energy efficiency in mind, so whether you purchase a gas, electric or oil furnace, you will be getting the best level of energy efficiency to date.

You will need to determine the square footage of the total heating area and choose a furnace system that is capable of heating and cooling that area without over extending its power. A furnace too big will constantly be turning itself off and on in order to keep the home at a certain temperature, and a unit too small will be running constantly in order keep up with demand. Finding an HVAC system that is designed to work optimally within the square footage of the home will also keep your energy bills lower and will allow the new unit to operate without stress so it can last many years.

Of course, installing a new furnace is not something that should be done by the average do-it-yourselfer. A certified HVAC service technician should be contracted to install the new unit. There are numerous safety issues that need to be considered when installing a new furnace, and HVAC technicians have the special training that is needed.

By: Bill Abernathy