You know you need a new heating system, but it’s tough to have any idea of where to start. Hopefully, it’s been several years since you’ve had to replace a home comfort system—if ever—and you may not know just what you’re looking for.
There are a few things we think any homeowner should know when searching for the perfect furnace replacement.
Efficiency matters
We know how tempting it is to shop around for the lowest price. It’s how a lot of us save money on a day-to-day basis—buying off-brand household cleaners and condiments to save a buck or two. But when it comes to furnaces, the less expensive option really won’t save you money in the long run.
A high-efficiency system will simply save you the most money over time (as long as it’s installed professionally and regularly maintained). Look for something with a high AFUE (annual fuel efficiency utilization) rating—closer to 100 AFUE is always better. You can also look for efficient features like a variable-speed blower.
However, keep in mind that even the most efficient electric furnaces may cost more to run, due to the high cost of electricity. If you do not have any way of getting natural gas to your home, we might recommend a heat pump.
Incorrect sizing can do harm
We really don’t recommend that homeowners go about attempting to purchase heating equipment on their own and then calling someone in to install it. That’s because if the system is not properly sized, you might run into a lot of problems over the course of the life of the heating system.
When heating systems are too small, they might not do a very good job of heating up the space. Plus, they have to run for such long periods that the parts wear down quite quickly, leading to premature system failure. And if it’s too large, your heating system may short cycle, meaning it will start and stop frequently, which can also wear down the heater.
You must call a technician
If you want to make sure you have the safest, most efficient heating installation possible, you’ll call a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor to help you out. The right technician will make suggestions while leaving the ultimate decision up to you. It’s nice to have someone to advise you and to make sure you have the best unit possible for your home, budget, and family.
Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for all of your heating needs in the Livingston, NJ area. We would be happy to help you pick out the right furnace for your home.