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hiring a contractor!
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Furnace Buying Tips
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The Gas Furnace |
The Electric Furnace
The electric furnace has a higher cost than a gas furnace. On the
upside, since electric furnaces do not use flames, it does not generate
any carbon monoxide. The electric furnace is cleaner and safer than a
gas furnace.
Find a Pre-Screened Heating Contractor in Your Area
2. The Quality of the Furnace
The quality of the furnace determines how long and how well it will
perform. Choosing a brand of furnace that has a history of quality and
reliability can be less costly in the long run. Ask your contractor
about which brand will be optimal for your needs. A free estimate for
the purchase and installation are available in some companies.
3. The Efficiency of the Furnace
The efficiency of gas furnaces are determined by the AFUE or Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency ratings. The AFUE ratings identifies how
efficiently is the fuel being consumed. In most cases, a higher AFUE
rating means it takes less fuel to heat your home.
Gas furnaces with higher ratings cost more than those with lower ratings
but may save you more money down the road. A minimum rating of 78% is
established by the government in 1992. Many furnaces have an efficiency
rating of about 60% prior to 1992.
a. The Mid-Efficiency Furnaces The mid-efficiency furnaces are also
called ‘induces draft furnaces’ or ‘non-condensing furnaces’. The
mid-efficiency furnace offers the bare minimum of 78% efficiency up to
about 80%.
b. The High-Efficiency Furnaces The high-efficiency furnaces are also
known as ‘condensing furnaces’ or ‘sealed combustion furnaces’. The
high-efficiency furnaces has an AFUE rating as high as 96%. Some
furnaces use a two-stage valve and an efficient variable-speed motor to
raise comfort and effectiveness.
4. The Comfort features of furnaces
Several furnaces provide features that increases comfort and efficiency.
a. The features of the two-speed furnace
The furnace can function at low speed for most of the time. It allows
for a more quieter operation for a longer amount of time compared to a
‘single-speed furnace’. The longer run periods allow for fewer
start/stop cycles, less drafts, and very little temperature variance.
The temperature swing is limited to about two degrees compared to the
four degree variance of the single-speed units. The two-speed unit gives
better circulation which prevents warmer air from rising and the cooler
air from settling down. The two-speed unit gives a more consistent
temperature in the house.
b. The features of variable-capacity furnaces
Furnaces with variable capacity provide a combination of efficiency and
comfort. The variable-capacity has a motor that regulates your needs by
automatically adjusting air volume and speed. The var-cap furnace
provides the most efficient heating and cooling.
A fan comes with the var-cap furnace. The fan will reduce your cost
during summer. If the fan is used throughout summer, the central air
conditioning unit increases in efficiency.
5. The furnace noise level
Unfortunately, all furnaces do not come with a standard rating system
for sound unlike heat pumps and air conditioners. Although, two-speed
units and var-cap units generally operate at a low noise levels.
The two-speed and var-cap furnaces run for longer periods and lower
sounds than the standard unit. Certain var-cap units has features that
prevent ‘creaking’ of the ducts due to expansion and contraction caused
by changing temperature. The temperature differential is reduced so that
the creaking noise is also almost eliminated.
About the Author: By Mike Davidson. For more great furnace information and resources check out: http://www.furnaceadvisor.info/
- Furnace Buying Tips -
