Are you in the market for a new furnace? Although no one looks forward to replacing a major home comfort system, if you do a little research, you will be rewarded with a much more efficient furnace, lower utility costs, and amazing home comfort. Choosing the right furnace can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this blog with key factors to consider for your new furnace installation in High Point, NC. Let’s go over the most crucial things to consider when researching a new furnace.
Gas Vs Electric
The first decision you’ll need to make is whether to go with a gas or electric furnace. If your home has a natural gas line, it makes sense to go with gas, but here are some things to consider.
- Gas Furnaces: Gas furnaces are less expensive to operate because natural gas is usually cheaper than electricity. However, the upfront cost can be a bit higher than an electric furnace. Some homeowners also have concerns about systems with gas combustion, but today’s modern gas furnaces are incredibly safe.
- Electric Furnaces: Electric furnaces are cheaper upfront, but because electricity typically costs more than natural gas, you may pay more for utilities. If you live in an area where electricity is relatively affordable, an electric furnace might be the better choice.
AFUE Ratings
If you plan on going with a gas furnace, you’ll need to consider the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. This rating tells you how energy efficient the furnace is by measuring how much gas is converted to heat.
- A gas furnace with an 81% AFUE rating will convert 80% of the fuel it uses into heat and lose 19% to combustion
- A gas furnace with a 90% AFUE rating will convert 90% of the fuel it uses into heat and lose 10% to combustion.
The minimum AFUE for a gas furnace in North Carolina is 81% AFUE, but today’s modern furnaces go as high as 98%. While a higher AFUE furnace may have a higher upfront cost, it will lower your monthly energy bills for as long as you own the system. This is an essential factor to consider since the initial upfront cost may be recapped over time through energy savings.
Features and Technology to Consider
Today’s furnaces come with features that are designed to boost efficiency, performance, and comfort. Variable-speed furnaces can monitor conditions in your home and have blowers that can adjust the airflow based on your home’s heating needs. This results in more consistent temperatures and increased energy efficiency. Standard furnaces can only run at full capacity when they’re on which isn’t always needed during fall and spring seasons.
Go With the Pros for Installation
The best decision to make about your new furnace is to choose a professional HVAC contractor for its installation. After all, the most crucial day in the life of a furnace is installation day. Our team of professional, NATE-certified HVAC technicians treat every step of the installation process as important. From helping you choose what furnace is best, to walking you through using your new system, we’ll make the process as easy as possible.
Contact All-Phase Cooling and Heating for furnace installation in High Point, NC. Making Your Home More Comfortable Is What We Do Best.