The furnace is a major component of any home’s heating and cooling system. Without one, you are at the mercy of the outdoor temperatures. Especially in Canada, an inadequate furnace will leave you shivering, which is why nearly 60% of Canadian households use a furnace in their homes.
Imagine your heating system breaking down during the depths of winter. Needing to wait for someone to come out for furnace repair while you wait and freeze is the last thing anyone would want to go through.
Don’t worry; if you make the right choice when purchasing your furnace, you will have a reliable and efficient heating system. There are a few questions you should consider when choosing your furnace. Read on to learn more.
Is It the Right Size for My Home?
The heating requirements for our homes are all different. You want to make sure you buy the furnace that fits your home.
If you choose one that is too large, it won’t heat your home evenly. Choose a furnace too small; it won’t be able to heat your house evenly in every room.
The wrong size furnace will result in problems, a shorter lifespan, and the need for constant repairs. You won’t need to budget the cost of a new furnace every few years if you get the right size furnace in the first place.
Consider how well insulated your home is, how many square meters it is, the size of each room, and how tall the ceilings are. These stats will help determine the furnace size you should go for.
What Are the Different Types of Furnaces?
There are four main types of furnaces. They are:
- Electric furnace
- Furnaces powered by natural gas
- Oil furnace
- Propane furnace
The type of furnace you choose for your home can often depend on your budget and the needs of your home. For example, electric furnaces tend to be on the budget-friendly side, while natural gas furnaces, while typically more expensive, tend to be more efficient.
Is It High-Efficiency? (AFUE)
Before investing in a heating system, another thing to keep in mind is your heating and energy bills which directly depend on the level of efficiency of your furnace.
The AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency rating will tell you how efficient the furnace is. High-efficiency furnaces have a rating of 90% or more.
The more efficient a furnace, the more it will cost to purchase initially. But the long-term savings on your energy bill will make the initial investment worth it.
What Maintenance Is Required?
Some basic furnace maintenance will help your furnace to last for years, even decades.
Maintenance includes things like regular cleaning and changing the filters. Check here for some more furnace maintenance tips.
Is There A Guarantee Covering Furnace Repair?
You may be wondering how often you should replace your furnace. Well, if you make a good choice in the first place, it should last you for many years.
Check if your furnace has a manufacturer’s guarantee that also covers faulty parts.
Reach Out to Experts
Choosing the right furnace is a big decision in any home. From efficiency to price to the brand name, there are a lot of factors to consider. If that furnace breaks down during the coldest days of winter, you’re going to be wishing you had thought through the decision a little bit more.
Consider these five questions when it comes to picking the right furnace for you and your family.
If you still need some expert advice on which type of furnace would fit best for your home, have questions about the cost and repair of one, get in touch with our team, and we will be happy to help you with all your questions.
