With fall on the way and winter not far behind, you might be in the market for a new furnace to prepare for the incoming seasons. As such, you want to get a furnace that will perform well for and fit well in your home. In this post, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, one of the leading fuel oil and furnace experts, shares the things you should be on the lookout for when getting a new furnace, plus some additional tips.
Your furnace won’t function as it should if it’s not properly sized for your home. A furnace that’s too large will short cycle, shutting on and off constantly and resulting in poor energy efficiency. On the other hand, a furnace that’s too small will keep running continuously, which again wastes energy. Make sure that your contractor is using Manual J software to find the right furnace size to fit your home.
Just like the ENERGY STAR® label, furnaces have their own equivalent. When looking for a new furnace, their energy efficiency is rated by a metric known as AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). The higher the AFUE rating of your furnace, the more energy efficient it is. An older furnace has an AFUE rating of around 65% or lower, while a newly-manufactured, efficient furnace has an AFUE of 95% to even 100%. Your furnace and HVAC repair experts will often recommend choosing these kinds of furnaces due to the amount of money you’ll save in the long run.
With the advancements of furnaces, manufacturers have made them more efficient than ever. When purchasing a new one, make sure that they have these features:
1. Variable-Speed Blower. This helps deliver hot air slowly with less noise.
2. Ignition System. This makes furnace startups more efficient.
3. Dual Heat Exchanger. This draws heat from the gas as it burns.
4. Modulated Heating. This modulates the amount of heat that’s emitted for greater control.
You can trust in Thomas J. Fannon & Sons. Our mission is to provide quality service and workmanship to ensure that your home stays warm and comfortable. We can also help repair your home’s water heater or HVAC unit. Call us now at (703) 549-5700 or fill out our contact form.
Ensuring your heating system runs efficiently during the colder months is crucial for comfort and…
As outdoor temperatures continue to drop, many of us are relying on heating systems to…
As the leaves begin to change in Alexandria, VA, and the chill of fall sets…
When it comes to heating your home in Alexandria, VA, fuel oil boilers are a popular and…
In places where the seasons can vary widely in temperature, keeping your home comfortable can…
Homeowners are increasingly concerned about the sustainability and efficiency of their cooling systems, especially in…