If the time has come for you to purchase a new furnace, you’re likely tempted to rush to buy the biggest and best you can afford. But we urge you to slow down—just a bit—and consider a few factors first. For instance, did you know that too large of a furnace will be just as detrimental to your comfort and efficiency as a system that’s too small?
This is one of the reasons you need a trained and experienced professional to help you with your purchase. Read on as we uncover some of the mistakes we’ve seen other homeowners make.
Mistake #1: Not Considering Ductwork
You may be getting a brand new furnace, but what is the state of your ductwork? If you’re installing a furnace and connecting it to dirty or damaged air ducts, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. You may soon realize that one room is cooler than the others, or that your indoor air quality is poor—these are both things that can be impacted by your ducts.
It’s wise to have your ductwork inspected to see if it needs any sealing, repairs, or cleaning—to ensure maximum furnace efficiency.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Air Quality
Too many homeowners have an HVAC system installed and don’t consider the other factors that contribute to their indoor air quality. It’s not just about temperature, after all—humidity levels can make your air especially dry and uncomfortable.
And your furnace isn’t to blame—in fact, the dry air isn’t great for your HVAC system either. When having an HVAC system installed, it’s best to consider the whole-home, including what indoor air quality products, such as a whole-house humidifier, you may need.
Mistake #3: Not Checking AFUE Ratings
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and is a measurement of how efficiently the furnace you’re purchasing will operate. The more efficient your furnace, the more heat you’ll get per unit of fuel. The minimum standard AFUE for new systems is 78%, with a mid-efficiency system rating between 80-85 and a high-efficiency system between 90-97.
The better the AFUE ratings, the more efficient heater you’ll have. Of course, you’ll want to consider your budget, but keep in mind that with better efficiency comes lower month-to-month costs, so it ultimately evens out.
Mistake #4: Not Considering Other Options
So we know we’re talking about furnaces, but have you ever explored your other heating options? For instance, if your ductwork is severely damaged or if your air conditioner is also about ready to call it quits, then you’d do well to consider a ductless system.
We make this recommendation because at the name implies, a ductless system requires no ductwork. Not only that, but it can be used for your cooling needs and your heating needs for year-round comfort. Ductless systems come with up to 4 individual air handlers that can be controlled independently of each other, allowing for more precise heating and cooling, plus a host of other benefits!
Of course, furnaces have their place, and a ductless system isn’t right for every home. We’re happy to help you navigate this decision so you can make an informed choice about your next heater purchase.
For furnace installation in Eugene, OR and more, contact Comfort Flow Heating today.
