7 issues to consider when buying a furnace in Virginia

It might not be necessary to buy a new furnace right away. But it's a good idea to be aware of the factors that will probably affect your decision when you're ready to buy. Here are seven things to consider when it's time to replace your furnace in Virginia.

1. size and caliber of installation

Your furnace needs to be the appropriate size for your house in order to run at optimal efficiency and comfort. Bigger is not always better when it comes to furnaces. Customers frequently want us to install a bigger furnace because they are under the impression that a bigger furnace is either more dependable or will be more comfortable.

Contrarily, this is real. Large furnaces will short-cycle or operate constantly. You end up freezing, with higher energy costs and a furnace that would need to be replaced much sooner as a result.

This is why choosing the appropriate firm to work with when purchasing a new furnace is crucial. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that if it's put in improperly, even if it's the right size, you could lose up to 30% of your energy efficiency.

Ductwork is another essential installation component. You can experience problems with sound or comfort if yours is outdated or poorly constructed. The efficiency of a furnace depends on the duct system to which it is connected.

Our ACE-certified expert HVAC technicians at HVAC Repair Guide Experts are qualified to install and repair a variety of home comfort systems. Our personnel is trained not only in technical proficiency but also in the ethical treatment of you. Additionally, we offer a 12-month, 100% satisfaction guarantee on our services.

2. Energy Effectiveness

Annual fuel usage efficiency, or AFUE, is a term used to grade furnaces. This rates the annual gas usage of a furnace, similar to miles per gallon on automobiles. The less gas is lost during the heating process, the higher the number.

Your current furnace is probably rated considerably below 80 AFUE if it is 15 years old. For instance, if your HVAC system has an efficiency rating of 70 AFUE, up to 30 cents of every dollar you spend on heating is lost.

These are the current AFUE ratings:

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• The minimum efficiency rating in the United States and Canada is 80 AFUE.
• For furnaces in the American South, the Energy Star® rating is 90 AFUE.
• For furnaces in the northern United States and Canada, the ENERGY STAR® rating is 95 AFUE.
• The greatest available efficiency rating is 98 AFUE.

3. Blower Motor Technology

One further crucial factor to take into account when assessing new furnaces is blower technology. This component moves air around your house. Knowing your alternatives is crucial because it consumes a lot of electricity.

There are now three different types of blowers for furnaces. They consist of:

A typical blower motor Standard blower motors have remained largely constant for the past 30 years in non-ENERGY STAR-rated furnaces. The least expensive and least energy-efficient motor is this one.

motor with constant torque. With this technology, cost and energy efficiency are balanced. In comparison to a conventional motor design, it offers increased electrical efficiency.

motor with variable speed. The furnaces with the highest energy efficiency have variable speeds. They don't run constantly at full speed, but occasionally they will run at a low or medium speed. This lowers your energy expenses and increases your comfort both in the winter and summer. Additionally, it controls indoor humidity.

4. Technology for Noise Reduction

Another notable advancement has been in noise control, as sound has become a crucial factor when installing furnaces. These qualities include, among others:

• insulated, sealed cabinets
• technology for blowers with variable speeds that burn gas quietly.
• You might not even be aware that your heater is on with this technology.

5. Intelligent Thermostat

You most likely have a programmed thermostat, but it's conceivable that you're not saving the most energy. These thermostats might be tricky to set up, especially if your schedule changes frequently.

With a smart thermostat, energy efficiency is completely under control. Many models can recognize your preferred temperature settings and then produce an energy-saving program that corresponds. They will also adjust your heating and cooling as needed based on whether you are home or away.

You'll also have the added benefit of being able to check and modify your settings on your phone almost anywhere. Some versions can even notify you when they notice a furnace issue or when it's time to change your air filter.

6. Guarantee

The quality and dependability of furnaces vary significantly. We believe it's wisest to use a well-known brand name for any significant purchase. If you choose a premium brand like Lennox® or Goodman®, you'll be more confident in the technology and the manufacturer's ability to keep the warranty terms.

There are typically two main warranty coverage categories for furnaces:

exchanger of heat. The most expensive part to replace is the furnace's core. The warranty period for this component is normally 20 years or a lifetime, but it can vary depending on the manufacturer and furnace model.

principal elements The blower motor, electrical controllers, ignitors, and other important components are included in this. One-year limited warranties all the way up to 10-year limited warranties are available.

It's crucial to understand the limitations of warranty coverage before discussing it. So make sure you are aware of the restrictions. For instance, almost all common manufacturer's warranties only pay for the cost of the new part; they do not cover labor. Additionally, labor costs for replacing a heat exchanger could be high.

Immediately after installing your new heater, be sure you finish the product registration. Many manufacturers could shorten the warranty period if the product is not registered. This process is simple and typically only takes a few minutes.

You'll also have the added benefit of being able to check and modify your settings on your phone almost anywhere. Some versions can even notify you when they notice a furnace issue or when it's time to change your air filter.

7. Cost

How much does all of this ultimately cost? A basic furnace can cost as little as $1,700, while a high-efficiency system might cost as much as $5,500.

Keep in mind that, unlike almost every other item you would need to buy, your new furnace may help pay for itself through the monthly energy savings it gives you as you consider these expenditures and their impact on your budget.

Additional strategies to cut costs include:

acquiring a new air conditioner concurrently.

The best times to buy are early fall, midwinter, and early spring. During this slower season, you might be able to earn additional rebates and discounts.

Benefit from rebates offered by your local electricity company, the federal and state governments, and other organizations. We can guide you through this procedure.

Finance the purchase of a new furnace or sign up for our exclusive HVAC Advantage ProgramTM. You can have a new furnace with repairs and maintenance included for only one little monthly charge.