For many Norfolk MA homeowners, summer is the perfect time to buy a new furnace. You have time to do your homework and find the best deal for your energy dollar. While low sticker prices are attractive, remember that the upfront cost of HVAC equipment usually accounts for only 20 percent to 25 percent of the overall cost. The bulk of what you'll pay will be operating costs and maintenance.
Here are a few factors that can help you find a system that fits your needs and saves you the most money:
- Efficiency. Furnace efficiency is measured by AFUE, Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This rates how much fuel the system converts into heat. A system with a 97 percent AFUE converts 97 percent of the fuel it consumes into usable heat, and is considered high-efficiency. If your current system is 80 percent AFUE, and you upgrade to a 97 percent AFUE, you could save 20 percent on your heating costs.
- Your heating load. This refers to how much energy it takes to keep your home comfortable in winter. Many factors determine your heating load, including your home’s square footage and geographic orientation as well as the quality of your ductwork. Your new heating system should be sized in proportion to your heating load. Before you purchase a furnace, you may want to take steps to reduce your heating load. Simple home improvements like sealing air leaks and upgrading to high-efficiency lighting can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home, meaning you could get a smaller furnace.
- Proper sizing and installation. The Department of Energy estimates that half the contractors in the country cut corners by not properly sizing equipment. A system that is oversized for your required load won’t perform efficiently, costs more to operate and requires more maintenance. Quality design and installation are key.
- Energy source. Before buying, also consider the fuel your new system will use. Fuel costs fluctuate, but don’t leave them out of your considerations entirely.
If you have questions about buying a furnace, please contact Rodenhiser. We'd be happy to answer them.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Norfolk MA. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.