Before you run out and get a new furnace installation, make sure you take a couple basic factors into consideration. Doing so may just save you some money in the long run.
Size
You may not necessarily want to replace your old furnace with one of the same size. Quite a few advances have been made in furnace technology and you might not need as big a furnace to do the same job. Today’s furnaces are more efficient than those installed 10 or 20 years ago. A furnace that is too big will be turning on and off more frequently than it should, causing unnecessary wear on the equipment, and possibly making the home too hot in places. To determine what size furnace you ought to buy, you could calculate your home’s square footage and then consult with your HVAC contractor. He or she will figure other factors into the calculations as well.
Fuel Efficiency
Modern furnaces offer higher fuel efficiency than older models. Check with your HVAC contractor regarding government rebates that might be available if you choose a furnace with a certain Energy Star rating. Even if a model costs a little more to get a better rating, you’ll save money with better fuel efficiency, as well as any money you may recoup from rebates. You might not think that fuel efficiency matters. Remember, though, that the new furnace will probably last for the next 25 years. That’s a lot of time to save money back on the initial cost of the furnace.
Don’t leave the decision on which new furnace to buy up in the air. For help making an informed decision, contact us today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace installation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
