If you’re considering getting a new furnace, there’s no better time to do it than during the off season. In today’s post, the heating and air conditioning contractors at Shackelford Heating & Cooling share some key factors to consider when doing this.
The size of your home – Your new furnace has to be sized for your living areas. If you choose a furnace that’s too small for your home, you’ll have to crank it up all the way just to meet minimum heating requirements. An oversized furnace, on the other hand, will heat up your home too quickly and create uncomfortable hot and cold spots. An oversized furnace will also short-cycle, resulting in excessive wear and tear and higher fuel or electricity consumption.
AFUE – AFUE, or annual fuel utilization efficiency, measures a furnace’s heating efficiency. New furnaces have an AFUE that’s close to 100%–a number that becomes lower as it ages. A furnace that’s approaching the end of its service life will have around 65% AFUE, which means a homeowner would be wasting 45 cents of every dollar spent on fuel if they continue using the same furnace.
Fuel type – A residential heating services technician will recommend furnaces with different types of fuel – some use oil, others gas, while still others run on electricity. If you’re considering a gas- or oil-burning furnace, you have to weigh which one will be a reliable source of fuel. An electric furnace, which almost always has 100% AFUE because it doesn’t burn fuel, is also a good option if gas or oil isn’t practical.
Energy-efficient features – Furnaces may all look and work the same, but modern ones generally have features that will help you save on fuel or electricity. Look for features like a variable-speed blower, a dual heat exchanger and modulated heating, all of which allow better heating distribution, less wasted heat and a longer service life.
Call Shackelford Heating & Cooling for All Your Heating & Cooling Needs
Shackelford Heating & Cooling is one of the most trusted residential air conditioning service providers serving customers in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (608) 530-0667 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
