Where Do I Buy a New Furnace?
Whether your old furnace has stopped working or you’re ready to reduce your utility bill by switching over to an energy-efficient model, buying a new furnace is not a simple task. You must consider many factors before you make a decision, including where to buy a new furnace. After all, buying a new furnace isn’t as simple as running down to the nearest cafe to grab a cup of coffee and heading back home.
Luckily for you, the HVAC experts at Entek have put together this handy guide to help you find a new furnace.
What Should I Look for in a New Furnace?
Given the wide variety of furnaces available on the market, it’s best to use some filters to narrow down the choice of units. Here are a few essential factors you must take into account when you’re planning to purchase a new furnace for your home:
Fuel Source
First up, have an idea about the fuel source you plan to use. This will help you to limit your options very quickly. Common options include gas, propane, and electric—check which source is readily available in your house before choosing one. Many opt for gas, as it’s an energy-efficient option, reduces your carbon footprint, and is cheaper to maintain. However, you’ll need to ensure that you have access to natural gas. If not, installing a gas line can increase the overall cost of a gas furnace. So make sure to do a thorough cost-benefit analysis before you decide.
Energy-Efficiency
When you’re buying a new furnace, make sure to opt for an energy-efficient model. Take a look at the annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, which indicates the efficiency of a furnace and tells you the amount of fuel the furnace will use to heat your home. A higher AUFE indicates better technology and lesser consumption of fuel. While such furnaces may be more expensive than other models, you can expect to make considerable savings on your utility bills in the long run.
Installation
Since you will be making a significant investment, opt for a model that can be installed in your house without paying additional costs to set up the infrastructure. For example, if your home isn’t already set up with ductwork, you may want to opt for a ductless option, such as a heat pump. And hire a professional to do the installation. Improperly installed furnaces will not run efficiently and can pose a considerable threat to the lives of your loved ones. Get an installation expert you can trust.
Maintenance
Maintenance of the furnace is also another key factor you cannot afford to ignore. A poorly maintained furnace can add up to higher electricity bills and do a poor job of keeping your house warm. So make sure you know the kind of maintenance your furnace will need to stay functional for the years to come. Typically, most homeowners can carry out basic maintenance, such as checking for any leaks or blockages in the vents and replacing air filters regularly. However, for optimal performance, you will need to hire a licensed professional to carry out annual maintenance.
Furnace Dealers or Online Retailers: Where Should I Buy It From?
Choosing the Right Fit
With more and more products becoming available online, it may be extremely tempting to opt for an online retailer when shopping for a furnace. Yet, keep in mind, choosing the correct furnace depends on several things: the size of your house, outdoor climate, existing utilities, and heating infrastructure available. If online retailers don’t have experienced professionals to answer your questions, they may not even be able to accurately recommend the model you should pick.
Online Discounts?
Also keep in mind that, when shopping online, you might be tempted by the lure of discounts. These deep discounts might make you believe that you have struck a great deal. Unfortunately, online retailers may reduce the retail price while still charging you a hefty sum for delivering the furnace.
Don’t Forget Installation
Moreover, many retailers don’t offer installation services, particularly if you order online. As we’ve said, you will need to find a contractor who can install the furnace for you. Technicians and installers in the HVAC industry are legally required to obtain HVAC certification (such as NATE certification) to repair or install HVAC systems. These technicians are usually employed by reputed HVAC dealers. As a result, if you order your furnace online, you may find it difficult to get a licensed technician to install a furnace that wasn’t purchased through them and that they can’t guarantee.
You may need to rely on an unlicensed amateur who may not be experienced in installing furnaces or, worse, end up doing it yourself. If you face any issues post-installation, you may find it difficult to get them covered under the warranty since professionals didn’t do the installation.
That’s why most HVAC experts agree that shopping for furnaces online isn’t a smart move. It’s always advisable to contact a reputed furnace dealer or HVAC contractor in your area. Such contractors offer a large variety of furnaces and can help you choose the one best suited for your needs. These trained experts have years of experience and technical knowledge to give you the most accurate estimate of your heating requirements and suggest a model accordingly. Purchasing a furnace from a dealer also means that you don’t have to worry about installation, warranty, or maintenance, as most offer complete solutions.
In the Area?
If you’re wondering where to buy a new furnace in Pacific Northwest, look no further—Entek is a distinguished HVAC contractor, providing superior heating and air conditioning services for the past 75 years. Our technicians and installers are NATE certified and can help you choose the best furnace for your house. We also offer complete installation and maintenance services, along with free estimates and up-front pricing so that you don’t get any last-minute surprises.
Need a free estimate for replacing your existing HVAC system or want to buy a new furnace? Contact us, and we’ll take care of it.