Ultimate Guide: How to Choose the Best Furnace for Your Home

As a homeowner, you know that a reliable heating system is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. With harsh winters in Connecticut, choosing the right furnace can mean the difference between a cozy, comfortable home and one that’s chilly and expensive to heat. But how do you choose a furnace that’s perfect for your home? This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

A poorly chosen heating system can leave you shivering in your own home—don’t let this be you!

Understanding Furnace Basics

Before we dive into how to choose a furnace, let’s cover some basics. A furnace is a heating system that warms air and distributes it throughout your home via ductwork. The most common types of furnaces use natural gas, oil, propane, or electricity as their fuel source.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Furnace

1. Fuel Type

The first consideration in how to choose a furnace is the fuel type. In Connecticut, the most common options are:

• Natural Gas: Often the most economical choice where available. Natural gas furnaces are efficient and provide quick heating.
• Oil: Common in areas without natural gas lines. Oil furnaces can provide powerful heating, but may have higher fuel costs.
• Electric: While less common for whole-home heating in Connecticut due to our high electricity rates (23.50 per kWh), electric furnaces can be an option in some situations.
• Propane: An alternative to natural gas in areas where gas lines aren’t available.

Your choice may be limited by what’s available in your area, but if you have options, consider both the upfront costs and long-term operating expenses of each fuel type.

2. Efficiency Rating

Furnace efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). This percentage tells you how much of the fuel is converted into usable heat. For example, a 95% AFUE furnace converts 95% of its fuel into heat, with only 5% lost.

In Connecticut’s cold climate, investing in a high-efficiency furnace can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. Look for furnaces with AFUE ratings of 90% or higher for the best efficiency.

3. Size and Capacity

Choosing the right size furnace is crucial. A furnace that’s too small won’t heat your home adequately, while one that’s too large will cycle on and off frequently, leading to temperature swings and increased wear and tear.

Furnace capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTUs). The right size depends on various factors, including:

• Your home’s square footage
• Ceiling height
• Insulation quality
• Number and type of windows
• Local climate

A professional HVAC technician can perform a load calculation to determine the right size for your home.

4. Cost

When considering how to choose a furnace, cost is inevitably a factor. Remember to consider both upfront and long-term costs:

• Purchase and installation costs
• Fuel costs
• Potential energy savings from high-efficiency models
• Maintenance costs
• Expected lifespan of the furnace

While a high-efficiency furnace may cost more upfront, the energy savings over its lifetime often justifies the investment.

5. Features and Technology

Modern furnaces come with a variety of features that can improve comfort, efficiency, and convenience:

• Variable-speed blowers adjust their output for more consistent temperatures and quieter operation.
• Two-stage or modulating gas valves can operate at different levels of output, improving efficiency and comfort.
• Smart thermostat compatibility allows for more precise temperature control and potential energy savings.
• Air filtration systems can improve your home’s air quality.

Consider which features are most important to you and your family.

6. Brand and Warranty

Choose a reputable brand known for reliability and good customer service. Look for furnaces with solid warranty coverage, typically 10 years or more on major components.

7. Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your furnace. Even the best furnace won’t perform well if it’s not installed correctly. Choose a licensed, experienced HVAC contractor for installation.

A skilled technician at work—the foundation of a warm, efficient home starts with expert installation.

Steps in Choosing a Furnace

Now that we’ve covered the main factors to consider, let’s break down the process of how to choose a furnace:

1. Assess your needs: Consider your home’s size, your family’s comfort preferences, and your budget. Are there any current issues with your heating system that you want to address?
2. Research fuel options: Investigate what fuel types are available in your area and their relative costs. If you’re considering switching fuel types, factor in any additional costs for new fuel lines or electrical work.
3. Determine the right size: Have a professional perform a load calculation to determine the right size furnace for your home. Don’t simply go by the size of your current furnace, as it may not be optimal.
4. Compare efficiency ratings: Look at the AFUE ratings of different models. Remember, in Connecticut’s cold climate, a high-efficiency furnace can lead to significant savings over time.
5. Evaluate your quote with scrutiny: When you receive a quote from an HVAC company, ask a variety of questions to ensure you fully understand what’s included. Examine the details carefully and don’t hesitate to seek clarification on any points that are unclear.
6. Consider additional features: Decide which extra features are worth the investment for your situation. Smart thermostat compatibility, for example, could lead to an average cost reduction of 20% annually.
7. Check warranties and service agreements: Compare warranty terms and consider whether extended warranties or service agreements are worth the additional cost.
8. Plan for installation: Choose a qualified contractor and discuss the installation process. Make sure they’ll obtain any necessary permits and perform all required inspections.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to choose a furnace, it’s also important to know what pitfalls to avoid:

1. Choosing based on price alone: The cheapest option upfront may cost more in the long run due to higher operating costs or shorter lifespan.
2. Oversizing the furnace: An oversized furnace will cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and comfort.
3. Ignoring efficiency ratings: In Connecticut’s climate, the energy savings from a high-efficiency furnace can be substantial.
4. Neglecting to consider your home’s unique characteristics: Factors like insulation quality and sun exposure can affect your heating needs.
5. Forgetting about maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your furnace. Factor this into your decision.

Preparing for Your New Furnace

Once you’ve made your choice, prepare for the installation:

1. Clear the area around your current furnace.
2. Ensure the HVAC contractor has a clear path to remove the old furnace (if one exists) and bring in the new one.
3. If you’re changing fuel types, make sure any necessary preparations (like installing a gas line) are completed before installation day.
4. Plan to be home during the installation to answer any questions and learn about your new system.

Navigate Furnace Selection with Valiant Energy Solutions

At Valiant Energy Solutions, we understand that choosing a new furnace is a significant decision for homeowners. Our team of experienced HVAC professionals is here to guide you through every step of the process.

We start by conducting a thorough assessment of your home and heating needs, helping you understand your options and make an informed decision. Our experts can explain the pros and cons of different furnace types, calculate the potential energy savings of high-efficiency models, and help you choose the features that will benefit you most.

Moreover, we don’t just install and leave. We offer comprehensive maintenance plans to keep your new furnace running at peak efficiency for years to come. Our technicians are always available to answer questions and address any concerns you might have about your heating system.

Choosing a new furnace doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Contact us today to start your journey towards a more comfortable and more efficient home.