Let’s assume that Disney’s
hit film FROZEN wasn't really the
intended decorating theme for your family’s tree trimming party. In the midst of all of
your holiday festivities, imagine that your furnace suddenly dies. Goodbye, old friend. Finito!
The situation quickly
becomes complicated because your furnace is so old, it’s really not worth repairing. A new
furnace must be installed immediately, but there’s not really enough time to carefully research all of the options. It’s a big decision, plus it's a significant financial
commitment. Remember, a furnace is like a serious relationship that you hope
you can count on for at least the next 15 - 20 years.
Talk about shopping under
pressure! Suddenly FROZEN has become your unexpected holiday theme and it’s not really all that sparkling and glorious. Your family is freezing and you need to take action immediately.
The Energy Experts feel
your pain are here to share some helpful tips when shopping for a new furnace:
Proactive Maintenance: When your furnace has suddenly stopped working, no one really wants to hear the “I told you so” lecture. Yet
it’s true, because each and every year we recommend pre-winter furnace
maintenance. Before those winter winds start howling, ensure that your furnace
is operational and safe. Have your furnace inspected by a professional who will
change the filter, check for leaks and unhealthy gases. It’s a good time to have
the furnace ducts cleaned, too. If there is a problem with your furnace, it’s
better to know about it in advance of winter’s first snowfall.
Whole House Energy Audit:
As a homeowner, you may
eventually need to replace your furnace. This could be due to the age of the
furnace or the desire to increase your home’s energy efficiency. This is a
perfect opportunity for a whole house energy audit conducted by a professional.
A quickie “clip board” audit offered by a furnace sales person is not likely to
deliver unbiased information. A whole house energy audit looks at the
performance of your home in its entirety. Follow along with the energy auditor and
learn about the importance of insulation and sealing air leaks. Make informed
decisions about the type of heating and cooling your home needs based on a professional
whole house energy audit.
Furnace Size Matters: Furnaces are a bit like
Goldilocks’ options of too small, too big and just right. A furnace that’s too small simply won’t do an adequate job of
heating and cooling your home. A furnace that’s too large cycles off and on too
frequently, wasting energy, straining components and creating uneven temperatures
in the home. Choosing the correct furnace size is best determined by a
professional who will also factor in issues such as climate, construction and
overall design of the home.
Efficiency Matters: Gas is currently the most
common heating fuel. Heating efficiency is rated on how easily a furnace
converts gas into heating energy. The rating system known as AFUE (annual fuel utilization
efficiency) calculates efficiency into a number that indicates how much heat
the furnace can wring from each therm of gas. The higher the AFUE number, the
more efficiently the furnace is functioning. By law, the lowest efficiency rating
allowed is 78% and the highest efficiency is rated at 97%. The cost of
purchasing a new furnace is linked to its efficiency, therefore the most energy
efficient furnaces command top dollar. This cost is offset by energy savings
over time and that varies by your climate, how well your home is insulated and
local utility costs. Keep efficiency in mind when you are shopping for a new
furnace. Remember, it’s a long term relationship!
The Energy Experts and
Pro Energy Consultants wish you and your family a warm and cozy holiday season!
