Investing in a furnace is a big decision—it's not just about keeping your home warm but ensuring your energy bills don't skyrocket. Whether upgrading from an older model or buying a new furnace for the first time, choosing wisely can significantly impact your energy efficiency, heating costs, and overall comfort.
ARS/Rescue Rooter is here to help make this process as smooth and informed as possible. In this guide, you'll learn how to evaluate key factors like furnace types, energy ratings, fuel sources, and features. We'll also address common questions to help you feel confident about your purchase. To speak with a technical expert about buying a new furnace, call our team at 866-399-2885 today!
Remember, the right furnace isn't just an appliance—it's an investment in your home's future. Let's ensure you make a choice you'll appreciate for years to come!
Table of Contents
- How to Choose the Right Furnace for Your Home
- Comparing Furnace Types: Which is Best for your Home?
- Single Stage Furnace
- Two Stage Furnace
- Variable Speed Furnace
- How to Know if Your Home Needs a New Furnace
- Get Expert Help for Choosing the Right Furnace
How to Choose the Right Furnace for Your Home
When it comes to how to choose the right furnace, it's important to consider more than just price. Factors like size, fuel source, and your local climate play a significant role in finding a furnace that fits your home's needs. Each of these elements impacts your system's efficiency, cost, and long-term performance, so making an informed decision is crucial. Let's break down these key factors.
1. Size Matters
Selecting the right furnace size is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and ensuring your home stays comfortable throughout the year. A furnace that is too small will struggle to heat your house effectively, while an oversized unit can lead to uneven heating, higher energy bills, and unnecessary wear and tear. Here's how to choose the right size:
- Consult an HVAC professional: Schedule a service and have an ARS/Rescue Rooter professional perform a load calculation to assess your home's heating needs, considering square footage, insulation, windows, and ceiling height.
- Consider zoning options: For larger homes or spaces with varying heating needs, zoning systems can help distribute warmth more evenly and efficiently.
- Prioritize proper sizing: A furnace that matches your home's needs will run efficiently, lower energy bills, and reduce unnecessary strain on the system.
Getting the size right ensures your furnace works smarter, not harder.
2. Fuel Source Options
When choosing the right furnace, the type of fuel it uses is a key factor to consider. Different fuel sources offer varying levels of efficiency, cost, and suitability based on your home's size and location. Here are the most common options:
- Gas furnaces: Typically the most cost-effective for homes with natural gas access, offering high efficiency and lower heating costs.
- Electric furnaces: A good choice for smaller homes or areas without gas lines, though they may have higher operational costs.
- Oil furnaces: Ideal for colder climates but require regular fuel deliveries and more maintenance than other options.
- Propane furnaces: A flexible option for areas without natural gas, providing efficiency similar to gas furnaces.
The best fuel source for your furnace will depend on your home's size, location, and energy needs. Natural gas is often the most economical, but electric and propane models can be excellent alternatives in areas without gas access. Consider the upfront cost and long-term operating expenses to make the most practical choice for your home.
3. Climate Zone
Your local climate plays a significant role in choosing the right furnace for your home. Colder regions demand furnaces with higher heating capacities and efficiency ratings, while milder climates may benefit from smaller, less energy-intensive models. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Cold climates: To minimize energy costs in harsh winters, prioritize high-efficiency models with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or higher.
- Mild climates: Opt for furnaces with lower heating capacities and AFUE ratings of around 80%, which are sufficient and more cost-effective for less severe weather.
- Variable climates: Consider dual-fuel systems or models that can adjust output based on the temperature, maximizing comfort and efficiency year-round.
Choosing a furnace suited to your climate ensures optimal performance and energy savings.
Comparing Furnace Types: Which is Best for Your Home?
Knowing how to pick a furnace best suited for your home also means understanding the differences between the available types and how each fits your home's needs. Modern furnaces come with various efficiency ratings, features, and advanced technologies, so evaluating your options carefully is essential.
Here are key factors to consider:
- Efficiency Ratings:
- Check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) percentage. Higher ratings mean better energy savings.
- Look for ENERGY STAR® ratings for models that meet strict efficiency standards.
- Features:
- Smart thermostats: Allow for remote temperature control and energy usage tracking.
- Zoning capabilities: Help divide your home into areas for tailored heating and energy savings.
- Noise reduction: Some models offer insulated cabinets or quieter blowers for reduced noise levels.
- Self-diagnostic systems: Alert you to potential issues before they become costly problems.
- Humidification options: Integrated humidifiers maintain optimal indoor air moisture levels during winter.
- Technology:
- Modulating burners: Adjust heat output to match your home's needs.
- Multi-speed blowers: Provide more consistent airflow and temperature control, improving comfort.
- Sealed combustion chambers: Improve efficiency and safety by keeping combustion separate from indoor air.
- Variable-speed motors: Adjust speed to provide quieter operation and enhanced energy efficiency.
- Heat exchanger design: High-quality exchangers improve heat transfer and extend furnace lifespan.
Stick to reputable brands known for quality and long-term support. Choosing a furnace with the right efficiency, features, and technology will ensure lasting performance and energy savings.
Next, let's explore the differences between single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed furnaces to help you choose when buying a new furnace to replace your current system.
Single-Stage Furnace
A single-stage system operates at full capacity whenever it runs, shutting off when your home's temperature matches the thermostat setting. Designed to heat your home during the coldest days of the year, these systems run at high power regardless of the outside temperature.
Pros and Cons:
- Louder operation
- Lower installation & repair costs
- Bigger temperature swings
- More fuel consumption and higher energy bills
Two-Stage Furnace
A two-stage system can operate at both a high and low heating stage, adjusting its output based on the amount of heat needed indoors. Because its first stage runs the majority of the time at about 65% capacity in most climates, the two-stage system offers significant energy savings and quieter operation.
Pros and Cons:
- Less fuel consumption and lower energy bills
- Only a few degrees in temperature swings
- Quieter operation
- Higher installation & repair costs
Variable Speed Furnace
Unlike a single-stage and two-stage furnace, a variable speed system adjusts the output speed of the furnace's blower motor based on the heating demands of your home. Not only does variable speed technology provide consistent heat output, but it also continually circulates air throughout your home, resulting in cleaner air and a more comfortable environment.
Pros and Cons:
- Less fuel consumption and lower energy bills
- Healthier indoor air quality
- Improved indoor comfort
- Longer system life
- Quieter operation
- Higher installation & repair costs
How to Know If Your Home Needs a New Furnace
Whether your home needs a new furnace depends on age and performance. If your furnace is 15 to 20 years old, it's likely nearing the end of its lifespan. While older units may still function, they are often less efficient and require frequent furnace repairs. Buying a new furnace can be worthwhile, as newer models offer improved energy efficiency, consistent heating, and reduced operating costs.
Other signs your furnace may need replacing include:
- Frequent or costly repairs
- Uneven heating or cold spots throughout your home
- Increasing energy bills despite regular maintenance
- Strange noises or unpleasant smells from the unit
Planning the replacement during off-peak seasons, like spring or early fall, can help you take advantage of discounts and better availability from HVAC professionals.
A new furnace also comes with added benefits like warranties, which protect your investment and ensure reliable performance for years to come. Additionally, regular maintenance and our Pro Service Plans can provide peace of mind and reduce unexpected repair costs over time.
Get Expert Help for Choosing the Right Furnace
Making an informed decision when choosing the right furnace is essential for your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. Key factors like furnace size, fuel source, efficiency ratings, and climate suitability all play a role in ensuring you get the best option for your needs.
For personalized advice, schedule a service with ARS/Rescue Rooter. Our experts can recommend the perfect furnace for your home and provide professional furnace installation backed by our trusted service guarantee. We make buying a new furnace easy and hassle-free. Our team ensures the job is done right, giving you peace of mind and lasting comfort.
Don't leave this important decision to chance—let ARS/Rescue Rooter guide you every step of the way! Call us today at 866-399-2885 to get started.
