Installing New Furnaces in Old Homes | A Guide

Is it time to replace your furnace at home? If you think that it is, it’s crucial you do thorough research first on the best type of heating system. You should also research other factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your home before winter rolls around. 

There are a lot of brands to choose from, which can be overwhelming. In this post, we will help you get to know the most important features of a furnace. 

Your Gas Furnace System

When it comes to furnace replacement, you need a system that can deliver quality comfort to your home; at the same time, it should be something that will not break the bank. 

Today, the best furnaces are energy-efficient. Therefore, you need to look into the AFUE  (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) percentage because the higher it is, the more efficient the heat pump is. As mentioned, there are various brands out there and their features vary.

Before we dive into these features, it’s crucial to know the essential parts of the furnace first: 

• Variable-speed blowers: This is the furnace’s fan motor that moves at different speeds to control the flow of heat and cool air. 
• Blower motor: This is where the air from the furnace passes through the ducts. The blower motor is responsible for the air cycle. 
• Air filtration: This can help trap particles to reduce the amount of dust blown throughout the heating system. 
• Heat exchanger: This is where cool air is heated. 
• Venting: Pipes that lead from the furnace to the outside. 
• Zoned heating: Breaks the home into different zones, each controlled separately by a thermostat. 

How to Know If It’s Time for a Furnace Replacement

Unless the heating system breaks down completely, it can be challenging to determine if it’s time to replace it. The good news is, there are some signs that can alert you of potential problems that you can avoid if you replace your system. Some of them are: 

• It’s more than 12-15 years old
• It requires frequent repairs
• It doesn’t provide sufficient warmth
• It has irregular cycles
• Energy bills are skyrocketing
• It produces strange noises
• It delivers low indoor air quality

It’s also important to consider the number of repairs and breakdowns you experience with your furnace. If it’s become too frequent, then it’s a sure sign you need to replace it. 

Gas Furnace Features Today

As mentioned, the best gas furnace is energy-efficient, and that is why you will find that newer gas heating systems have various energy efficiency levels. In fact, units with the highest energy efficiency won’t require a chimney. Instead, they vent out from the sides and draw their own combustion air in from the outside. 

Another thing you will notice is that they have more safety controls and sensors compared to older models. 

Here are some features to consider when shopping for a new gas furnace: 

• Size: The size says a lot about the amount of heat the furnace can produce. Moreover, the right furnace size is important to the efficiency, reliability, operation, sound levels, comfort, and ongoing costs of heating your home. A qualified contractor is needed to evaluate your home in terms of its heating needs. 
• AFUE Efficient Rating: The minimum AFUE rating is 80%, but you will find some units with higher AGUE ratings. The ones with AFUE ratings between 90% and 98% are high-efficiency furnaces that will cost you more upfront but will save you more money and energy over time. 
• Multi-stage burners: Also known as modulating burners, this feature can deliver different levels of heat depending on the demand. Moreover, the heat levels can be adjusted electronically. 
• Programmable thermostat and smart controls: With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature and energy use based on your needs. On the other hand, smart controls are available with all new systems that can help you adjust temperature and monitor other aspects, such as humidity levels, system efficiency, and outdoor temperature. 
• Fixed, multi-speed, or variable blowers: Variable speed blows are ideal because they can change the speed at which warm air is distributed. Some come with variable speed blowers that can change the speed of airflow based on smart features built into the system. These features can detect environmental changes and adjust accordingly. 
• Electronic Ignition Systems: Hot Surface Ignition (HSI) and direct spark ignition systems are the most common furnace ignition mechanisms today. Both are electronic that can save energy. 

Parts and Labor Warranty

Now that you know which features you should pay close attention to when shopping for a new heating system, you also need to consider the parts and labor warranty. 

Make sure you understand what is covered by the warranty and its length before you purchase the system. Warranties must include manufacturer parts, labor, heat exchange warranty, and contractor parts and labor. 

Keep in mind: there are some situations when manufacturers will need you to provide them with the service history of the system before they honor warranty provisions. 

There are also extended service agreements, which covers parts and services not covered under your warranty. Therefore, this may be covered under a contractor’s service agreement. 

When you have this type of service contract, you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses should you experience system breakdowns or repairs for the length of the agreement. 

Get a Full Home Heating Assessment

Having a full home heating assessment before you replace your furnace is important. With this type of assessment, you will know the right size of furnace you need for your home. It will also help identify leaks or damage within the ductwork, and it can help improve the overall comfort and indoor air quality in your home. 

Conclusion

Replacing your furnace should be done properly, which is why you need to have the right guide to that. Use this information to help you find the right heating system for your home that you can make the most out of. Additionally, don’t hesitate to hire a furnace expert to help you with the decision-making process. 

Comfort Specialist Services is a reliable provider of heating and air conditioning services in Morris County, NJ. Let us help you with your furnace replacement; contact us today to request a service. 

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