Choosing The Right Furnace For Your Northern VA Home

Winter is now upon us, and if your old furnace isn’t working as well as it once was, that could mean you’re in for some cold days ahead. No one wants that, but few homeowners have the knowledge base for understanding how to select the best furnace to meet their family’s needs. When it comes time to shop for a new heating system for your home, these tips from Home Improvement Leads will help you find the right furnace in no time.

What are your heating requirements?

Not all households are created equal, and neither are their furnaces. If you are looking to replace a central furnace system, you will need to take into account several factors like your home’s square footage, amount of insulation, and how well sealed the home is from the elements. This information will help you calculate the air volume that needs to be heated, and will determine what size furnace your family will need. Bear in mind that bigger is not usually better when it comes to furnaces. Systems that are improperly sized can result in increased humidity, inefficient fuel usage, and an overall poorly heated home.

How much energy can I save?

Energy efficiency is incredibly important to most homeowners nowadays since it not only lowers their utility bills, but it also generally increases their home’s property value. New furnaces’ capabilities are measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) with higher percentages indicating better fuel efficiency. By comparing your current system’s energy requirements and old heating bills to estimations from newer models approved by Energy Star, you can determine roughly how great your monthly savings will be.

Though these furnaces will come with a higher price tag, homeowners are entitled to a federal tax credit to help offset the initial investment. Heating and cooling a home accounts for almost half of a home’s entire energy usage, so upgrading to an Energy Star approved furnace can not only keep your family more comfortable, but it can save you hundreds of dollars each year, too.

Is there more to consider than just the furnace?

Your furnace doesn’t just operate independently. Making sure that your home’s duct system is cleaned and thoroughly sealed is crucial to having a furnace be able to operate efficiently. Changing air filters monthly is also just as important in maintaining the life of your furnace. New filters will not only reduce allergens, but will also ensure that the least amount of strain is placed on the furnace, too, helping to prolong the life of your furnace for years to come.

Once you have found the perfect new furnace for your home, be sure to take good care of it by having annual service checks performed. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the comforts of a warm home.