How to Choose the Right Furnace

Summary

Are you thinking about upgrading your furnace but not quite sure where to begin? Team Enoch understands. Furnaces are more efficient than ever, with a plethora of features designed to keep you comfortable. They come in different sizes and shapes, some more powerful than others. They also have different price points based on their efficiency ratings. The thermostat is the brains of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. But it’s the furnace that provides all the muscle, teaming up with your ductwork to send warm air throughout your home. And always remember, a happy home is a warm one! It would only take a few cold days in a row with no indoor heat for all the pipes in your home to freeze.

Contents

• Choose the Right Furnace by Fuel Type
• Choose the Right Furnace Speed
• Choose an Efficient Furnace
• How Much Money Can a New Furnace Save You?

Choose the Right Furnace Fuel by Fuel Type

Your first decision: choosing the fuel type.

There are different types of furnaces, each with its own method of generating heat:

1. Gas Furnace: This type of furnace uses natural gas or propane as a fuel source. The gas is ignited in a combustion chamber, and the heat produced is then transferred to the air that circulates through the system. These furnaces have proven their value over the years for providing steady comfort on the coldest of days.
   
2. Oil Furnace: Oil furnaces use heating oil as a fuel source. The oil is burned in a combustion chamber, and the heat is transferred to the air through a heat exchanger. They are a popular alternative in the United States, particularly in parts of the Northeast that do not have easy access to natural gas. These types of furnaces last longer than a gas furnace but do not operate as efficiently. Oil prices fluctuate more than natural gas prices, making it harder to gauge your monthly expenses. Plus, you will need a storage tank for the oil.
   
3. Electric Furnace: Electric furnaces use heating elements, typically made of coils, to generate heat when an electric current passes through them. These are common in areas where natural gas or oil may not be readily available. They tend to last longer than gas furnaces and cost less to install. On the other hand, they are more expensive to operate and take longer to heat your home. Anyone living in a cold climate would enjoy more comfort with a gas or oil furnace.
   
4. Wood or Biomass Furnace: Some furnaces burn wood or other biomass materials to produce heat. These are often used in more rural or off-grid settings.

Choose the Right Furnace Speed

Furnaces run at different speeds. The operating speed you choose will impact your comfort, budget, and indoor air quality (IAQ).

Single-stage furnaces have just two settings, on or off. Your furnace switches on and continues to run to reach the desired temperature. Once it reaches the temperature, the furnace turns off. Single-stage furnaces are the most affordable models and easiest to install. But they are the least efficient and tend to create hot and cold spots in larger homes.

Two-stage furnaces run at full-speed and half-speed. This allows your furnace to heat your home more evenly, producing a more consistent temperature from room to room. In addition to producing better heating, the half-speed setting is much quieter.

Variable speed furnaces are the gold standard of the heating world. These models adjust their speeds to provide precise comfort. They run longer at slower speeds, improving efficiencies while lowering your energy bills. Because they do not frequently cycle on and off, these systems tend to have fewer breakdowns.

Variable speed furnaces are much more adept in maintaining your indoor air quality, catching harmful particles, and eliminating excess moisture that causes mold growth. Larger homes benefit tremendously from variable speed furnaces.

Choose an Efficient Furnace

The AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating on your furnace indicates how much energy it converts. An energy-efficient furnace with an AFUE rating of 95 can convert 95 percent of the energy it consumes into heat.

The higher the AFUE rating, the more money you save on monthly utility bills. Energy-efficient furnaces emit fewer greenhouse gases and make less noise when they operate. If you want to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, the perfect place to start is with your heating and cooling equipment!

How Much Money Can a New Furnace Save You?

The amount of money a new furnace can save you varies based on factors such as the efficiency of the unit, your geographic location, and the fuel type used. For our neighbors in Dallas and Austin, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace, where winters are relatively mild, can lead to noticeable energy savings. Modern furnaces with higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings can efficiently convert fuel into heat, reducing energy consumption and lowering monthly utility bills. Additionally, given the prevalence of natural gas in Texas, residents may find that a high-efficiency gas furnace offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly heating solution, contributing to long-term savings. Regardless of where you live, it's advisable to consult with a local HVAC professional to assess individual needs and determine the most suitable and efficient furnace for optimal savings.

Team Enoch is ready to help

Furnace Installation or Replacement

Don’t invest in a quality HVAC system and then hire a substandard contractor to install it. You will never enjoy the full benefits of a system installed incorrectly. Team Enoch specializes in installing equipment the right way. We take our time to ensure everything is measured correctly.

Be sure to ask about our convenient financing options designed to make it easy for you to create your dream home.

Furnace Repairs

Odd sounding noises, a spike in energy bills, or constant cycling—these signs indicate a problem with your furnace. Don’t wait for a minor issue to turn into a costly problem. Give us a call today if you detect a problem with your HVAC system. We promise never to replace a part unless necessary—or if we can demonstrate significant cost savings.

Furnace Maintenance

Want to get the most value from your HVAC system? Develop a preventative maintenance plan. Doing so can rejuvenate your equipment, increase your comfort, and lower your operating costs. Give us a call today and ask about our memberships tailored to fit your budget and needs. Enjoy peace of mind knowing a trusted professional is watching over your HVAC equipment.

If you're in the Dallas Fort Worth area and are ready to upgrade your comfort with a new furnace, Team Enoch has the expertise to help your out. Contact us for all your home needs. Remember, estimates are always free!