So, you’re getting a furnace. Awesome! There are plenty of options to choose from. But with so many choices available, how do you know which one is the right fit for your needs? Here are some steps you can take to narrow down the search and how we can help guide you towards the right solution.
Determine Your Heating Needs
First, you’ll want to start by assessing the overall heating needs of your space. Do you have a large house with a lot of square footage or a layout with multiple rooms? Or, perhaps you’re only supplementing an existing heating system and your furnace will be used part-time.
Having a good idea of how much heating you need will help you choose an appropriately-sized system with the right features for your space.
Decide on the Type of Furnace
Next, you’ll need to choose the type of furnace you want. Most Cape Cod home and business owners opt for gas-powered furnaces, since natural gas is abundant and readily available throughout the area. However, propane may be a good option in more rural areas depending on your location and its proximity to underground pipelines.
Select Important Features
Next, you’ll want to consider the different features of each furnace model and how they align with what you’re looking for. Critical things to pay attention to include:
AFUE Ratings
One key factor to look at when shopping for furnaces is its AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. This is a numerical expression of the amount of fuel the furnace uses to create heat compared to how much fuel is lost during the combustion process. For example, a furnace with a 90% AFUE rating converts 90% of its fuel to heat, losing just 10% to waste. The higher this figure, the more efficient a furnace is.
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Understanding AFUE Ratings
Furnace Size and Capacity
To heat your space effectively, your furnace must be neither too large nor too small. The “Goldilocks” rule of “just right” applies here, and it’s crucial to select a furnace that is appropriately sized for your structure. A furnace that is too small will have difficulty keeping you warm enough, while a too-large appliance will short cycle and drive up your energy bill.
Consider Environmental Impact and Air Quality
Another important thing to think about is the potential environmental impact of your furnace and how it may affect your air quality. Natural gas furnaces tend to burn cleaner and more efficiently than oil and even propane. They produce fewer emissions and pollutants, so you can rest easy while taking steps to help cut your carbon footprint.
Check Your Budget
When pricing your furnace, it’s important to consider not only the upfront expense but also the ongoing costs of maintenance, fuel, and potential repairs. Purchasing a higher-quality appliance now may be pricier at checkout, but you’ll see the savings later in the form of lower energy bills and fewer sudden repairs.
Make a Final Decision
Last but not least, it’s time to make your final decision. Read through a few customer reviews to see how others have liked their furnace and check for any common issues that seem to crop up more than once. Consult with your HVAC professional for their recommendation too and select the furnace that overall offers you the most value for your money.
Contact Cape Cod Heat Pumps Today
Get help choosing and installing a high-quality natural gas or propane furnace today by contacting Cape Cod Heat Pumps. Call now at 508-833-4822 or fill out our short contact form and we’ll reach out to you!