There are many exciting holiday gifts that would make the entire family happy. A huge smart TV, the latest gaming console, or a comfortable sofa are some gifts the whole family will love.
But have you ever thought about giving you and your family the ultimate gift in home comfort? We’re talking about a new furnace!
Furnace installation is a gift the family might not be onboard for at first. But once they feel the unparalleled warmth and comfort a new furnace provides, the appreciation will flow in along with that warm, cozy air. If your existing heating system is old and outdated, here are some things to look for in a new system.
Fuel Type
Most homeowners in Arlington, WA have two choices for furnaces: gas or electric. If your home has an existing gas line, a gas furnace makes the most sense. Today’s gas furnaces are efficient and include safety features to ensure their safe operation. They’ll also heat your home more quickly compared to an electric furnace.
If you don’t have a gas hookup, electric furnaces are still a good option. Modern electric furnaces are energy efficient and have extra features for those who are looking to boost efficiency. Although electric furnaces can be expensive to operate in extremely cold climates with winter temperatures that often dip below freezing, with our milder winters here in the Pacific Northwest, an electric furnace makes sense.
AFUE Ratings
AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency and this measures a furnace’s efficiency. An AFUE rating is assigned based on how much fuel the furnace uses to produce heat.
- Electric furnaces automatically have an AFUE rating of 100%. But because electricity is usually more expensive than gas, an electric furnace can cost more to run. Again, this isn’t as much of an issue with our mild winters.
- Gas furnaces must have a minimum AFUE rating of 80% but can be rated as high as 96%. That means 96% of the energy it uses goes to producing heat which is impressive. However, the higher the AFUE rating, the more expensive the furnace will cost upfront.
Operating Speeds
Variable-speed furnaces are a key feature that can make a huge difference in your energy use. A furnace with more advanced options for operating speed will naturally cost more to purchase upfront but will save you money on utility bills for as long as you own it.
It’s a bit like purchasing a computer with more RAM and a faster CPU. You’re paying more for more advanced technology but these features will affect how the computer performs, leading to fewer headaches down the road.
Instead of just having “On” and “Off” settings, two-stage and variable-speed furnaces can modulate their power levels and adjust to the temperature in your home. That’s why they’re also referred to as modulating furnaces. When your furnace isn’t operating at 100% power all the time, the furnace expends less energy, saving money on your utility bills.
Contact Cozy Heating Inc. to schedule furnace installation in Arlington, WA. We Won’t Quit Until You’re Cozy.