Furnaces are a popular choice for many homeowners looking to heat their interiors for an affordable price. That said, what a lot of homeowners don't know is that there are actually many different types of furnaces available for them to install in their homes. Therefore, if you're currently thinking about upgrading the heating system in your home but aren't sure what type of furnace you want to install, take a look through our comprehensive guide below before booking a consultation appointment with the team at Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning!
What are the different types of furnaces?
As we mentioned, there are numerous types of furnaces available for homeowners to choose from.
Let's take a closer look at some of these in more detail below:
1. Natural gas furnaces:
Overview: Natural gas or propane are typically the fuel sources used to power gas furnaces. The gas is burned in what is known as a combustion chamber, and the heat that is produced is distributed throughout the house using a series of air ducts that connect to each room.
Advantages: Gas furnaces are renowned for their affordability and effectiveness. They work especially well in frigid conditions where temperatures drop below freezing by offering quick, reliable heat.
Considerations: Installing a gas furnace may be more costly than installing an already-compatible furnace if your house does not currently have a natural gas line.
2. Electrical furnaces:
Overview: Electric furnaces create heat using what is known as electric resistance. Essentially, electric elements generate warm air, which is subsequently circulated throughout your home by a blower that is attached to the air ducts throughout your property.
Advantages: One advantage of electric furnaces is their simple designs and ease of installation. They are suitable for areas where natural gas availability is difficult.
Considerations: Maintenance expenses may be higher in places with more expensive electricity expenses. Nevertheless, milder temperatures are a good fit for these kinds of furnaces.
3. Dual fuel system:
Overview: A dual-fuel or hybrid system combines the capabilities of a heat pump with a gas furnace. To guarantee that homeowners receive the best possible energy efficiency ratings throughout the winter, they can switch between the two appliances based on their performance capacity and external weather conditions.
Advantages: These systems can modify energy efficiency based on climate conditions so homeowners can save on their monthly energy costs despite how cold it gets outside.
Considerations: Installing dual systems is more costly and time-consuming to install than traditional furnaces.
Ultimately, the availability of fuel, local climate, and system efficiency ratings should all be considered when choosing a furnace type. It's always preferable to consult with a reputable HVAC firm in your region to get the best solution for your particular needs and circumstances.
What type of furnace is best for my home?
Now that you have an understanding of the various kinds of furnaces and the factors that influence their energy efficiency ratings, how do you know which one is right for you? Because every home and every homeowner is unique, there really isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to this problem.
That being said, the following considerations should be made when purchasing a furnace for your house:
- Heating capability: To determine the right furnace size for your home, request a professional load estimate from an HVAC company. They will consider factors like square footage, insulation quality, and local environmental conditions.
- Efficiency: For optimal efficiency and potential long-term savings, look for furnaces with high AFUE ratings and ENERGY STAR certifications.
- Fuel type: Select an affordable and conveniently available fuel source based on your requirements.
- Costs: Consider the immediate, continuous, and potential long-term savings while attempting to strike a balance between effectiveness and cost.
- Installation specifications: Confirm if your home can accommodate any specific venting or ductwork that has to be made.
- Professional installation: Hire a certified HVAC technician to do the installation precisely in order to ensure precision, safety, and adherence to manufacturer warranty guidelines.
You can pick a furnace that meets your specific needs and provides dependable and efficient home heating by thoughtfully considering these factors and consulting with HVAC experts in your area.
It is crucial to keep in mind that installing a furnace in your house is a difficult undertaking that should be handled only by a qualified and skilled HVAC company. Therefore, before choosing a company to collaborate with, confirm that it possesses the necessary credentials, has a successful track record, and has a positive reputation based on feedback from past clients. This can assist you in making sure the entire furnace installation is of high quality.
Which furnace is generally more efficient?
Usually, a furnace's Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating serves as a gauge for efficiency. AFUE is the amount of fuel that is transformed into heat that can be used to heat a house. The furnace is more efficient the higher its AFUE rating.
Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings are generally more energy efficient. High-efficiency furnaces tend to have AFUE ratings of 90% or greater, whereas standard-efficiency furnaces typically have ratings between 80% and 90%.
Reach out to the team at Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning
Choosing the best furnace for your house is more difficult than it may first seem. For this reason, it's critical that you work with a reputable HVAC firm that can help you navigate the installation process.
If you're looking to buy a new furnace, schedule a consultation with knowledgeable home comfort advisors from Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning to find out more regarding our current specials and financing options, which can help you alleviate some upfront costs on your new furnace. A estimate for the purchase of a new system is included with every appointment.
Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to work with homeowners throughout Brantford, Brant, Dundas, Waterloo, Caledonia, Saint George, Flamborough, and the surrounding areas. You can schedule your consultation appointment with us over the phone or use our online booking form.
