Your furnace is an investment. It’s not just something you buy casually; it’s something that keeps your family warm, your house safe, and your day-to-day comfort intact. Plus, it has an impact on your home’s energy usage and safety as well. For these reasons and more, there are a lot of things to consider when you make a purchase.
That’s why when you are selecting the right furnace for your home and lifestyle, you want to consider the system type, energy efficiency, and size because these factors will not only dictate how much you’ll pay but also how long your furnace will last and if it’ll perform how you need it to in your home.
To help you better understand these factors and to help you select the right furnace for your home, we’ve put together this helpful guide.
The Right Furnace Type
Heating and cooling systems come as either split or packaged. Split systems are common with heating and air conditioning, and come complete with a unit, furnace, and coil. But if you don’t have a basement, crawl space, or attic, a packaged system may be a better option because they contain heating and cooling components in one outdoor unit.
Fuel sources are also important, and have much to do with the type of system you ultimately select. Gas, propane, and electric furnaces each have their benefits, but depending upon what you find most valuable could help in making your decision. For instance, if saving money when temperatures dip is your top priority, a gas furnace that runs on natural gas will be the best option.
If your home is older or if you live in an area without gas lines, a propane furnace can be a powerful source of heat. If you’re all about creating heat from electricity, the electric furnace is for you, but know that this option can use a little more energy unless we install an energy-efficient heat pump for you.
If you’re trying to determine the best type of furnace for your needs, wants, and unique circumstances, contact us today to schedule an appointment where we can help you decide.
The Importance of Energy-Efficiency
When selecting a furnace, you should look for top-rated units that are marked as being highly efficient. Today, furnaces have Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings.
This rating is listed as a percentage of how much fuel gets converted into usable heat, with a scale ranging from around 30-100. The higher the AFUE, the lower the operating cost will be. You should aim for a rating of 90 percent or higher. Once again, for any questions about your specific needs, be sure to contact us and we will help you find the right solution.
The Correct Furnace Size
All the aspects of your home need to fit well together to ensure they work properly. For instance, you don’t want a bigger door than your doorframe for obvious reasons. This same principle is true when it comes to finding the right size furnace for your home.
When a furnace is too big, it can cause an influx of humidity, which can lead to mold, sneezing and respiratory issues, and inconsistencies in heating and cooling. Larger systems are also typically noisier, especially when they are not compatible with your home’s duct system. On the other hand, a furnace that isn’t big enough might not have the power or output to get the job done properly. You might have lower air pressure, poorer circulation, and increased energy bills from your unit working harder than it needs to in order to heat your home.
However, there is a “just right” furnace in the “Goldilocks and the Three Furnaces” tale. A furnace that’s the right size will have the correct output, energy consumption, and overall performance when installed into your home.
To determine the most accurate size for your house, a Hoosier Indoor Air technician can perform a whole-house evaluation where they will look at everything from square footage to insulation to the types of windows and doors you have within your home. Call us today to schedule this service!
Hoosier Indoor Air Quality Can Help
If you’re in McCordsville, Indiana, and need help finding a new furnace, be sure to contact Hoosier Indoor Air! We’ve been servicing Indianapolis since 1974, so we’ve got decades of experience under our belts helping folks just like you. We’ll help you find a furnace that’s the perfect type, energy efficiency, and size for your home so you can enjoy the warmth all winter long.
Plus, we’re here to help you with any other heating and cooling needs.
Whether you need emergency heating repairs, new furnace installation, or seasonal furnace maintenance, Hoosier Indoor Air is here to help keep you warm during the cold Indiana winters.
We’ll take care of your HVAC needs so you don’t have to worry about them, allowing you to just focus on living your life.
One of the ways we do this is through our Comfort Guard™ maintenance plan!
This service includes more than just routine maintenance. It also offers discounts and perks for heating and cooling repair services—and more—for just $18 per month!
Our certified HVAC technicians are standing by and equipped to handle any type of heating problem in your home. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can serve you, call 317-466-7437 or book a visit online.