7 Facts About New Furnace Installation
Furnaces have been an important part of any household, even going as far back as ancient Rome. When the time comes to install a new one, though, even the modern homeowner might feel a bit overwhelmed. With all the new options and models on the market, you may not be able to tell which one is right for your home. On top of that, it’s a weighty decision. After all, if you install one that doesn’t fit your home properly, you could end up spending big on something that can’t even do the job it’s supposed to do. You can relax, though. You have experts on your side.
Entek has provided high-quality home HVAC systems to our neighbors for decades. Those years of experience have given our technicians a wide breadth of knowledge, knowledge that we’re more than happy to impart to you.
1. The Size of Your Home Is Important
While some people might think that any quality furnace will do the trick when heating their home, they couldn’t be further from the truth. Think of it as using the right tool for a job. If you have a nail to hammer into place, you wouldn’t use anything too big or too small; you want something that fits just right. The same principle holds in new furnace installation. If you get a unit that’s too small, it will have to work overtime to keep your home at the set temperature. If you get one that’s too big, it will frequently overshoot the set temperature, forcing it to switch on and off more often to adjust than a properly sized unit would need to.
When you’re considering what furnace to have installed, be sure to come armed with accurate measurements of your home. That way, you’ll know exactly how much space your new furnace will have to heat and be able to shop accordingly.
2. Fuel Type Makes a Difference
In a new furnace installation, the kind of fuel your new unit uses will have an impact on its immediate and long-term usability. There are three main types of fuel available for furnaces: gas, oil, and electricity.
Gas is the most widely used fuel source, although it does require a natural gas connection. If you don’t already have access to natural gas, you’ll need to have it installed if you want to use a furnace that runs off it.
Electric power is much more commonly accessible, but electric furnaces tend to be the least efficient models. If you’re worried about saving money or reducing energy usage, they may not be the best option.
Oil furnaces offer you the most independence from utilities, as they have tanks to store a supply of fuel, but they do leave you dependent on regular oil deliveries. If you’re far away from town, though, they may be your best option.
3. Efficiency Matters
Furnaces, like any home appliance, can suck up a large amount of energy to keep running. If it’s time for new furnace installation, we recommend you keep a model’s energy efficiency in mind. In the HVAC industry, a furnace’s efficiency is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, so keep an eye out for that number when shopping around.
A furnace’s AFUE measures the percentage of fuel it uses to heat your home, as opposed to being lost in the process. The higher the number, the less fuel is wasted. Newer furnaces with higher AFUE ratings can run a bit more expensive than older models, but the long-term savings are often worth the investment.
4. The Government Regulates Furnace Installation
Not many people are aware, but federal and state governments actually have regulations for new furnace installation. While that may annoy some DIY enthusiasts, the laws exist in order to protect you, the consumer. After all, furnaces are heavy pieces of machinery that can present a real danger in your home if installed improperly. By setting certain certification and licensing requirements, you can rest assured that your furnace is being installed with your safety in mind.
5. A Well-Maintained Furnace Can Last for Years
Many homeowners would be hard-pressed to give you a detailed rundown of the new furnace installation process, if only because of how rarely it comes up. A quality furnace can keep heating your home for decades if cared for properly, meaning unless you stay in your home for a long time, you’re unlikely to install one with any frequency. Of course, this is contingent on keeping your new furnace happy and healthy. Each individual furnace model has its own maintenance requirements, so get familiar with what your new unit needs and get set up with a regular maintenance schedule.
6. Get Familiar with Your Warranty
Like plenty of other large appliances, most furnaces come with a policy or warranty that covers the cost of new parts should they be needed within a set span of time after its purchase. Unlike other appliances, however, a furnace’s warranty may not cover everything. Far too many homeowners have made the mistake of buying a furnace, only to find out too late that an expensive part isn’t covered. The manufacturer may cover some parts but leave others completely up to your responsibility. Before you commit to a furnace, it’s always worthwhile to familiarize yourself with what is and isn’t covered by the manufacturer.
7. You’re Not in this Alone
If you’re not well versed in the HVAC world, a new furnace installation can seem like a huge undertaking. Don’t worry though, we’re here to tell you that we have your back. Everyone at Entek is dedicated to walking you through the whole process, from figuring out what model of furnace is the right fit for your home, all the way to actually installing it. For every question or concern you may have, we have an answer. So if you’re ready, or if you just want to hear a bit more, give us a call. We’re ready and able to help in any way we can.
