A little information can go a long way in allaying any anxiety about furnace replacement. So before you’re mired knee-deep in Energy Star ratings, air flow measurements and cubic feet, here are a few things to remember as you look for a furnace.

For most people, the first thing they do is call a contractor for an estimate. If it’s not an emergency, however, take some time to eliminate drafts in your home. Weatherstripping, replacing or adding insulation, caulking foundation cracks – cover these basics before you make the call. Why? The less heat your house loses, the less furnace you’ll need.

And yes, in the world of furnaces, size does matter. With a properly sized furnace, you’ll pay less for it initially and in the long run. A furnace that’s too big wastes fuel and wears out faster because it cycles on and off more often. A properly sized furnace may also mean you won’t have to up-size your ductwork or install new vents, saving you money on the installation.

After you’re finished with your weatherization project, how do you know how big of a furnace you’ll need? When you do call your contractor, make sure he does a standardized calculation of the local climate, the size of your house, and its design and construction features to determine how much heating power you really need.

What features should you look for in a new furnace? You definitely want a furnace with a high “annual fuel-utilization-efficiency” (AFUE) rating, preferably at least 90 percent. This measures how much heat your furnace can wring out of the fuel input. The higher the percentage, the better. Features such as variable speed blowers, variable heat outputs, and dual heat exchangers can also increase your furnace’s efficiency.

If you have questions about furnace replacement, contact us at Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve proudly served our Connecticut customers since 1994. Our professional technicians can help you figure out which furnace is best for your home and your wallet.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace replacement and other HVAC topics, visit our website.

Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning services South Windsor, Connecticut and the surrounding areas.  

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Schedule Now
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Skip to content