At Astar we know that a furnace failure can be a stressful situation for families and leave you worried about its replacement. While this is an unfortunate emergency, this is also an opportunity to replace an old and inefficient heating system with an updated and longer lasting one. Whether you are considering replacing your furnace because of an emergency or just because it is time to, consider the following Astar’s guide as you are choosing your new furnace.
Efficiency
When looking for a furnace or heating system replacement option, efficiency should be the number one thing on your list to pay attention to. An efficient unit will cost more initially but will save you money in the long run. High-efficiency units make better use of energy to generate heat, significantly reducing your seasonal utility bills.
When measuring the efficiency of a furnace, look for a unit with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of at least 90%. This rate measures how much heat is produced per dollar of fuel that is used. So, in order to save money, you need to go with the furnace with the highest AFUE rating you can find. The southern mandate requires a rating of at least 80%, but again the higher the percentage, the better.
Size
Even though we’re in Dallas Texas, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your furnace replacement options. You need to make sure you select a furnace that is the appropriate size for your space and heating requirements. A furnace that is too large will short cycle and waste tons of money on extra heating. Meanwhile, a unit that is too small will need to work harder to heat your home causing wear and tear on the heating system due to overworking it. Never assume a particular unit is appropriate for the size of your home. Always consult a professional when searching for a new furnace unit.
Programmable Thermostat
You will definitely want to consider a furnace with a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will allow you to control how long and at what level your furnace runs. This feature is great for all households and will allow you to adjust the temperature of the furnace operating level as needed. Many smart thermostats even allow you to make temperature adjustments from your phone even when you’re not home! This makes for a more comfortable and safer indoor climate for your family and your home.
Check your ducts!
Many households can become panic-stricken and only worry about replacing the unit itself but it’s important to keep in mind that your ducts also play an important role in heating your home. Dirty ducts can lower even the newest unit’s efficiency and can create other issues so plan on having the ductwork cleaned professionally if needed.
If you experience an emergency furnace failure and aren’t sure what to do next, give our team at Astar a call. Astar Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric provides the highest level of quality in all of our heating system installation projects, and with our wide variety of systems, and expert technicians, we will help you determine which heating system type is the most efficient for you. Remember we also offer different financial options and specials to help you upgrade or update your heating system comfortably!