by Cooper Climate Control
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Purchasing a new home furnace is not as difficult a task as one might expect. Your local Valley-Metro heating and air conditioning company is here to answer any questions you have regarding this major investment. Here are some purchasing tips and system features to think about as you decide what system will work best for your circumstance.
Should You Go With An Electric or Gas Furnace?
Electric furnaces typically cost more than gas furnaces. A gas furnace will always be more affordable than an electric one. There are other considerations above and beyond just the cost.
Electric furnaces do not produce flames and consequently do not generate carbon emissions. Electric furnaces are cleaner and are considerably safer than gas furnaces. Gas furnaces burn fuel and generate flames and fumes. The better gas furnaces, however, have ‘exchangers’ that trap fumes and then ventilates them out of the home through exhaust vents.
Furnace Quality
The quality of any furnace, whether it is electric or gas, is determined by how long and well it performs. You want to choose a brand that is known for its quality and reliability. This equates to more cost-efficiency in the long run. If you are unsure about the brand to purchase, once again, refer to a professional heating and air company for their recommendation based on your particular circumstance.
Efficiency Factors
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings determine a gas furnace’s efficiency level. This rating identifies how efficiently the fuel is consumed. For the most part, a higher rating equates to less fuel being burned. The US Government requires a minimum rating of 78%. The mid-efficiency furnace operates at the legal minimum of 78% to 80% efficiency. A high-efficiency furnace will operate at an efficiency rating as high as 96%
Comfort Features
Many furnaces provide certain features that are designed to increase the comfort and efficiency factor of the device. There are two-speed furnaces and variable capacity furnaces. Two-speed furnaces can operate at slower speeds most of the time, and they allow for a much quieter operation over a longer period of time. Variable capacity furnaces provide the homeowner with comfort and efficiency by adjusting the air speed and volume automatically. The variable capacity furnace typically comes with a fan which helps to reduce utility costs during the summer months.
Noise Levels
Unlike air conditioners and heat pumps, most furnaces do not come with a rating system for noise levels or sound. For the most part, the two-speed and variable capacity furnaces operate much more quietly than other standard furnaces. They also operate for longer periods of time than what other furnaces do.
Some of the variable capacity furnaces come with features that target and help to prevent the contraction and expansion noises that occur due to changing temperatures. The creaking noises of contraction and expansion are almost eliminated by reducing the temperature differential.
We hope the above information is useful to you. Please call with any questions you might have about replacing your furnace and talk to one of our experienced, expert system and installation technicians at 480-460-7417. Cooper Climate Control Heating and Air Conditioning will be happy to add you to our family of satisfied customers.
