Tips For Buying A New Furnace

Heating systems are one of the most important appliances in your home, which is why they should be chosen wisely. If you are in the market for a new heating unit, we encourage you to consider a furnace. Furnaces are a reliable heating option, because they produce heat and can keep your home comfortable all season long. In this blog, we will discuss helpful tips when purchasing a furnace and how furnaces can be beneficial.

What Is a Furnace?

A furnace is a heating unit that generates and produces heat to warm your home. Depending on the type of furnace your home utilizes, it is powered by natural gas, electricity, oil, or propane. The heating unit is made up of six main components: thermostat, gas valve, burners, heat exchanger, blower, and air ducts. Simply put – most furnaces operate by burning fuel to generate heat inside the burner. The heat passes through the heat exchanger, which makes it hot. Air from ductwork is then blown over the heat exchanger, which warms it. The blower pushes the warm air through the ducts and into the home.

What To Look For In A New Furnace

A new furnace is an investment for your home and should last many years to come. When choosing the perfect furnace for your home, there are certain factors to consider. Below we have listed consideration tips to buying a new furnace.

• Efficiency
• Type Of Furnace
• Size

Efficiency

Although highly efficient furnaces are costly upfront, it will save you money down the road. New furnaces can create more heat while using less energy, which saves on operating costs. Not only will you have extra pennies in your piggy bank, but help the environment as well. While staying inside your budget is important, it could be in your best interest to spend more on a high efficiency furnace.

Related Article: Ways To Improve The Energy Efficiency Of Your HVAC System

Type Of Furnace

There are four main types of furnaces: gas, electric, oil, and propane.

Gas: Gas is the most common type of furnace, but requires access to a municipal gas line. Gas furnaces offer many benefits, such as fast heating, efficiency, and clean burning. The majority of homes in Chesapeake utilize gas furnaces.

Electric: Electric furnaces are another popular option, because they are an affordable option. However, electric furnaces can cost more over time due to electric charges. Electric furnaces are a safer option due to not utilizing gas and typically have a long lifespan.

Oil: Oil furnaces can be a low cost option, but are often less efficient. Typically oil furnaces are cheaper upfront, but your utility bills will make up for the efficiency costs down the road.

Propane: Propane furnaces are similar to gas furnaces, and are typically used where gas and oil aren’t readily available.

Size

When it comes to purchasing a new furnace, bigger is not always better and smaller is not always economical. Too large of a furnace can use more energy than necessary and cause the unit to be overworked. Too small of a furnace will struggle to meet your home’s heating requirements and run up energy bills. Choosing the proper size furnace is important to help save money, time, and repairs in the future. Furnace size is measured in BTUs, and one of our expert technicians can help determine the proper size furnace for your home.

Furnaces In Virginia Climate

As most Chesapeake residents know, winters can be very cold and windy. Homeowners need a warm escape from the frigid Virginia winters, and furnaces can be a suitable option. Furnaces are a great choice for colder climates due to the unit not relying on outdoor heat like heat pumps. The heating system can provide many benefits to a Virginia home, such as:

• Good Air Quality
• Fast Heating
• Energy Efficiency
• Affordable

If you are in the market to purchase a new furnace for your home, consider these tips! We are here to keep your home cozy and your piggy bank full this winter season, and can help determine if a furnace is the best option for your home. Additionally, we can repair, replace, and maintain all types of furnaces in Chesapeake and surrounding areas!