Installing a new furnace is a great way to make your home more comfortable and save on heating costs. However, there are a few things you should know before purchasing and installing a new furnace that will help you get the most out of your upgrade. Here are three things you should know before a heating installation.
1. What Size Furnace Do You Need?
Many homeowners think that buying the largest furnace possible is the best way to ensure that their home will always be comfortable. Unfortunately, it's possible to buy a furnace that's too large for your home. An oversized furnace will heat too quickly without distributing the heat evenly through your home. This also causes the furnace to start and stop more frequently, which wastes energy and accelerates wear and tear.
The heating capacity of a furnace is measured in BTUs. Factors like the size of your home and the quality of your insulation will determine how many BTUs your home needs. To determine the optimum furnace size, an HVAC technician will need to inspect your home. However, you can use resources like online climate zone maps to get an approximation. Homes in the same climate zones will have similar heating requirements.
2. What Features Should You Look For?
Installing a new furnace comes with more benefits than improved energy efficiency. A variety of advanced features in modern furnaces can provide a tangible benefit for your home's comfort. A variable speed blower is one such feature. Furnaces with variable speed blowers can speed up or slow down the blower fan in response to your home's heating needs.
Modulating burners are a similar energy-saving technology. Furnaces with modulating burners can increase or decrease heat output with very precise adjustments to the burner gas valve. Many high-efficiency furnaces include both a variable speed blower and modulating burner that work together by receiving signals from a single control board.
3. Are Your Ducts in Good Shape?
Even with a brand new furnace, you won't get the best performance from your HVAC system if your ducts have been neglected. Duct leaks, blockages, and dust buildup can harm energy efficiency and indoor air quality, and may even shorten your furnace's life. Consider duct inspection and cleaning during your furnace installation so you can be sure that every part of your HVAC system is performing optimally.
With this information, you will be on the right track to find the perfect furnace for your home. Ask your HVAC technician any other questions you may have so you can feel completely prepared for your new furnace installation.
