Choosing A Residential Gas Furnace
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If you're thinking about installing a gas furnace in your home you'll be glad to know that if the unit you're replacing is between 18 to 20 years old, you can figure on saving at least 15% on energy costs, and that is if you buy a standard efficiency unit. If you're planning on installing a high efficiency gas furnace in your home your savings can double that, up to 30%.
Any homeowner should take advantage of gas furnace reviews and epinons available online and do their homework. Before you decide on a brand and choose an installer you should learn the difference between single-stage, two-stage and three-stage variable speed furnaces. You should know what AFUE stands for and you should have narrowed your choice down to three or four different brands.
Some of the most reliable and trusted gas furnace brands are Rheem Ruud, Goodman, and Trane. If you choose a Trane gas furnace you can pick their high efficiency gas furnace with an AFUE of 96.7% or a standard high efficiency unit with an AFUE of 90%.
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and the US Department of Energy insists that every manufacturer use this standard of measurement. This measurement measures the actual season-long efficiency for a particular gas furnace. Older gas furnaces, those between 18 and 20 years old had AFUE values of about 65%. This means that today's high efficiency gas furnaces can save you a lot of money over time, but not every homeowner needs to spend the extra money for a high efficiency unit.
Experts have determined that the biggest jump in efficiency is with units between 80% AFUE and 90% AFUE. So, it may not be cost efficient for you to purchase a unit with 95% or greater AFUE. If your home is in an area of the country with a moderate to mild climate most experts agree that you don't need anything greater than 80% AFUE.
At this point you've only started doing your homework. Most troubleshooting gas furnace problems are brought on by incorrect installation. Make sure you talk with and get at least three different estimates when it comes to installing a gas furnace. Get references. Talk with family and friends. Call your local better business bureau. It's estimated that over 80% of gas furnace problems are due to installation.
Make sure the installer checks the existing ductwork in your home. Older ductwork may be rusted, and seams may be split, which means that heat can leak out. It's estimated that faulty ductwork can cost the average homeowner up to 30% in energy costs, which means your new efficient unit may run efficiently, but you won't see any cost savings.
No matter which manufacturer you choose, Trane, Lennox, Rheem Rudd, Goodman or any other, the way to guarantee you get the best gas furnace for your money is to read and be informed before you make your decision.
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