How to Choose a Gas Furnace

There are many things you need to consider when you are replacing an old gas furnace; it's not just a matter of shopping around for the least expensive model. Here are some guidelines that will help you select a gas furnace that is right for your home:

How Long Do You Plan to Stay in Your Home?

Think about how long you plan to live in your current dwelling: is it only a few years, or long-term? If you expect to stay for only a short while, you will still want to select a good quality gas furnace, but you may not want the most expensive, highest-quality one available, because you will probably not be able to recoup the money you put into the furnace during the short term. However, if you plan to live in your current home for at least 10 to 15 years, you will want to purchase a better quality, high-efficiency gas furnace that is very reliable.

In the market for a new furnace? Learn more about all of the different gas furnace models available at Rodman's Heating and Air Conditioning.

What Is the Efficiency Rating of the Gas Furnace?

You will need to find out the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of any gas furnace you are considering. AFUE is a measure of how efficient the gas furnace is when converting gas into heat. The higher the percentage, the more heat the furnace can produce. All furnaces now sold in Canada are high-efficiency, meaning that they will have an AFUE of 90 per cent or higher.

As a general rule, the higher the efficiency rating, the higher the price tag on the heating system. But in a few years, you will be able to recover that extra cost through the energy you'll be saving, especially if you purchase an Energy Star-rated gas furnace.

Curious about what others say about their furnaces? Read some of the feedback on high-efficiency gas furnace installations that we have received from satisfied customers.

What Size of Gas Furnace Do You Need?

You need to choose the correct furnace capacity. Gas furnaces that are too small are unable to keep a house warm enough during the cold months, but furnaces that are too big tend to turn on and off too frequently, causing them to lose efficiency. If you're not sure what size you need, ask your local heating and air conditioning company; they can take a look at the number of windows and size of rooms in your home, as well as insulation levels, construction materials and other information, and determine what size is best for your home.

These are just a few of the questions to ask yourself when purchasing a new gas furnace. Contact Rodman's Heating and Air Conditioning for more information.