A reliable furnace should keep your home cozy and warm during winter. But do you know which furnace is best for home use? Well, if you want to buy a furnace to replace the old one, this article should help you make an informed purchase. But let’s first understand how a furnace works.
How does a furnace work?
A furnace works to heat the home’s surrounding air to keep you warm. It releases hot air via the ducts to deliver cozy and warm air. Also referred to as forced warm-air, furnaces or the warm-air distribution unit heat your home through these energy sources:
- Electricity
- Fuel Oil
- Natural gas
These energy sources can easily warm the home but they each have their share of pros and cons. For example, depending on where you live, you might settle for one source as it is cheaper than the other. Generally, gas is commonly used as a heating source in most homes.
Here are a few steps to help you compare your furnace options. So, when looking for a furnace for home use, you should consider these factors:
Climate
Some furnaces work better is certain regions than others. Therefore, identify a furnace that has an energy star certification to guarantee savings and efficiency.
Most areas of the Southwest and Southeast regions of the U.S rarely experience winter temperatures. So, heat pumps offer an excellent option for such areas since energy cost savings work best in areas that are below 50 degrees. If you want to reduce your monthly heating expenses, buy a furnace with an energy start label.
Furnace type
As mentioned earlier, gas furnaces are popular in most households and typically come in different forms:
- Modulating Gas Furnaces: The gas furnace helps to regulate heat and is common in all gas furnace types. It is suited for cold climates as it helps to regulate room temperatures evenly and efficiently.
- Two-Stage Gas Furnaces: This type of furnaces usually adjusts gas flow from high or low and vice versa to allow better efficiency. The thermostat communicates in real-time with the furnace and this regulates the room temperature.
- Single-Stage Gas Furnaces: This furnace often features a small gas valve that closes and opens. It is suited for mild climates.
Conclusion
It’s important to install a good sized furnace to heat the home. Remember that if the furnace is too small, then it will not heat the entire home efficiently. On the other hand, a bigger furnace will waste fuel and thus costly.
References: HVAC.com, Apollo Home, Home Tips