The importance of proper sizing cannot be overstated. A furnace that isn't appropriately sized can run too frequently, causing premature wear and tear. A furnace that is too small can also not keep your home warm. An overly big furnace can cost you more fuel than it should.

To properly size a furnace, you must first estimate the amount of heat your home requires. British thermal units are used to quantify heat output (BTUs). You must consider your home's square footage and other elements, such as the number of windows, ceiling height, and insulation.

Consider the size of your current furnace to decide the size of the furnace you require. Can it keep your home warm enough? If that's the case, you can get a furnace that's the same size. You will, however, require a larger furnace if you have added on to your home. To be certain that you are getting the right size, have an HVAC specialist come to your home and perform an in-home evaluation to determine the exact size you require.

A furnace's AFUE (annual fuel usage efficiency) rating shows how energy efficient it will be. The greater the furnace's AFUE rating, the more efficient it is. You're more likely to save money on your monthly heating expenses if your furnace has a high AFUE rating.

A furnace with an AFUE rating of above 90% is likely to be more expensive than a furnace with an AFUE rating of 80%. A high-efficiency furnace can save you money regardless of where you live, but if you live somewhere with long winters, this could be an essential purchase.

Electricity, gas, or oil can all be used to power a furnace. While gas is the most common because it is readily available, it is also a popular choice since it is less expensive than oil or electricity, and it is also cleaner. In reality, natural gas has been 30 to 50% less expensive than oil for home heating since 2002. Gas furnaces are also less expensive to buy and install than oil furnaces.

Electric furnaces are less expensive to buy and install in locations where natural gas isn't available, but they're highly expensive to run, so people who don't have access to natural gas choose oil furnaces.

Do you need to replace your gas furnace? If that's the case, you're in luck. Modern furnaces are far more energy-efficient than the ones you're replacing. They've been designed for maximum efficiency, so they're good for the environment and your money. While a new furnace may be expensive, you will save money on your energy bills, which will add up to significant savings over the life of your system.

When shopping for a new furnace, keep the following things in mind.

Blower with a Variable Speed

When less heat is required, variable-speed blowers reduce the rate at which air is provided. They also produce less noise, fewer drafts, and less uncomfortable temperature changes. ECM variable-speed motors are the most energy-efficient. They have some smart features that let them adjust to the exact amount of air needed without wasting energy.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE ) ranges from 80% to 99%.

Standard efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating of 80%. These furnaces have a lower upfront cost, but they are more expensive to operate and do not qualify for tax credits. More efficient furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90-96 percent. They are more expensive to buy, but they can save you hundreds of dollars in fuel costs each year. These furnaces have the most up-to-date features and often qualify for tax rebates.

Heat Output Variable

This feature works ‌with the variable-speed blower to boost economy and comfort. The quantity of heat delivered by the furnace is automatically adjusted, usually between two settings. This allows the furnace to maintain a higher level of heat output than it could with set heat output.

Air filtration

You can reduce the amount of dust blasted through your heating system with an electronic filter, which employs an electrical charge to help trap particles or a high-efficiency particulate-arresting (HEPA) filter installed in your furnace. This can be especially helpful for patients who have asthma or other chronic lung problems.

System of Ignition

To ignite the gas, the ignition mechanism generates a spark. A pilot light—a continuous flame that fires the burners when signaled—has traditionally been used to light furnaces. The pilot light has been replaced in most new furnaces with an intermittent, direct spark or hot surface ignition. Silicon carbide ignitors (which are standard on most recent furnaces) and nitride hot surface ignitors are the two most common types found in furnaces nowadays (these last longer and may have lifetime warranties). The efficiency of contemporary ignition systems is reflected in a furnace's greater AFUE rating.

Warranty

All the main furnace manufacturers offer a solid guarantee. Look for information on:

• Warranty on the Heat Exchanger in the Furnace: The heat exchanger is difficult to repair and replace. Warranty terms of 10–20 years are common, and some warranties are lifetime.
• Manufacturer Parts Guarantee: most manufacturers provide a 5-year basic parts warranty, with some offering a 15-year extended warranty.
• Manufacturer Labor Warranty: Furnaces installed by a certified contractor usually come with a one-year labor warranty. The contractor may ‌ provide extended labor warranties.
• Contractor Parts and Labor Extended Warranty: You gain these warranties at the same time as the furnace or within a year after purchase. Compare the price to the cost of a future expensive repair (like a heat exchanger replacement). Deal only with a respected, qualified local contractor who you know will be there for the duration of your system's life.

Modulating furnaces are quite pricey. A modulating furnace can soon pay for its cost of purchase because of its lower operating expenses. First‌, changing to a modulating furnace saves you the headache of running an old furnace, which saves money on maintenance costs.

Modulating furnaces is more efficient than single-stage and two-stage competitors. Consider a furnace's Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE, rating to gauge its efficiency. The AFUE rating is based on how much energy a furnace can turn into heat.

A standard, single-stage furnace with an AFUE of 85% turns 85% of the energy it uses into heat for the home.

Some modulating furnaces can achieve an AFUE rating of 98%. The AFUE of most modulating furnaces ranges between 90 and 95%. A modulating furnace not only uses less energy to run but also cuts annual heating bills by a large amount.

When you want to purchase a new furnace, the end of summer is the ideal time to begin winter preparations.

Schedule your furnace maintenance immediately to avoid the fall rush. It is never too early to call a local contractor if you need a new furnace. The sooner, the better! A reliable emergency furnace repair company, such as Canada Energy Solution, will assist you in deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system. In addition, they can assist you in selecting the ideal unit for your home and provide a free estimate to get you started.