Buying a Heater

Gas vs. Electric

  • Gas Furnace

    Whenever natural gas is available, a gas furnace is usually more inexpensive to run than an electrical one. Keep in mind that gas furnaces use a flame to burn fuel and produce toxin fumes.  If the unit is properly maintained, the fumes stay inside the hear exchanger and exit through a vent away from your home or business.

    Anytime you purchase or own a gas furnace, it is imperative to the life of the unit to have it serviced once a year by a licensed technician. The technician will check the unit for any cracks, holes or leaks that can release carbon monoxide into the air you breathe in your home or place of business.

  • Electric Furnace

    Electric furnaces are usually more expensive to run than gas furnaces. They are, however, a safer and cleaner source of heat since they do not produce carbon monoxide.

     

  • Heat Pump

    Another choice to heat your home or place of business with is a heat pump.

Quality

  • When you are deciding on what unit to purchase the quality of that unit will determine the performance and longevity of it. Selecting a reputable brand name system as well as reliable can avoid you future costly expenses. To determine the brand and model that is most suitable for you, consult with your contractor.

Efficiency

  • The efficiency of fuel used by a gas furnace is classified by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings. Usually the higher the rating the less fuel the furnace uses to heat your home or place of business. Units that have higher efficiency ratings tend to be more expensive but also cost less to run and will in the long run will save you money.

    Many furnaces manufactured before 1992 had efficiency ratings of 60%. Since then, the government requires a minimum AFUE rating of 78% for furnaces being installed in new homes:

    • Mid-efficiency furnaces also known as non-condensing furnaces or induced draft furnaces offer efficiency ratings from 78% to 80%.
    • High efficiency furnaces also called condensing furnaces or sealed combustion furnace offer an AFUE ratings from 80% to 96%

Comfort Features

  • There are furnaces that have additional features that can offer you comfort as well as improved efficiency.

Two speed furnaces

  • Two-speed furnaces run more quietly and operate for longer periods of time than single speed furnaces. Lengthier operating periods converts into less on/off cycles, fewer drafts from the blower turning on less, and much smaller temperature swings. They also provide better air circulation which helps achieve more even temperatures throughout your home or place of business.

Variable-Capacity Furnaces

  • Variable capacity furnaces provide a combination of comfort and efficiency.  In addition to the benefits of two-speed furnaces, they offer smart motors that monitor the homes’ comfort needs and automatically adjust the quantity and speed of air to ensure the most efficient heating or cooling.

    The fan that comes with the variable-capacity furnace will save you money throughout the summer. When you use the fan operation through the summer, it increases the efficiency of your central air system.

Sound Levels

  • There are no standard sound rating systems for furnaces such as the bel rating system used for air conditioners and heat pumps.

    Some variable-capacity models provide a “ramp on” feature, which introduces warm air into your ducts.  That helps prevent the noises produced by ducts expanding and contracting.

Central Air Conditioning Systems

  • Air conditioning can become one of life’s conveniences you take for granted once you have it. In warmer climates central air is more common in homes. Not only are they a great source for cooling your home or business but also they dehumidify and filter the air. Making it more comfortable and cleaner.

Cooling Capacity

  • Air conditioners are produced in a variety of sizes typically measured in “tons” or “BTUs per hour”. When choosing an air conditioning system bigger is not necessarily better. The larger the capacity the more a unit will cost; output is directly related to cost. It is very important to pick a size that is appropriate for your home. If you chose one that is too small for your home it will not be able to keep up with load requirements particularly on a very warm day. If you chose one that is too large for your home will turn on and off too often doing a poor job of dehumidifying the air, which lowers the comfort level. It’s best to slightly undersize an air conditioning system than to oversize it. To insure efficient operation of the system, the airflow into and out of rooms must be carefully balanced. The climate must be taken into consideration when selecting a system for your home. How well your home is insulated and how you and your family will use it are also factors you should consider. You should also consult a qualified air conditioning contractor before making any decisions.