How To Choose A New Gas Furnace For Your Home
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When it's time to replace an old furnace there are lots of things to consider. You want to pick the best gas furnace for your needs and not overspend. What you need to do is learn how to compare gas furnaces. You'll need an idea of their overall efficiency and estimated annual fuel costs in order to determine what gas furnace is right for your home.
The first thing to do is determine if you really need to replace an old unit, and for this you'll need to find a trusted expert. Most gas furnaces have a life of at least fifteen years. If your unit is at least 15 years old, but closer to 20 you'll need to get it looked over. Don't forget that in older homes you may need to have new ductwork and electrical installed which add to the price.
Most companies, Bryant, Trane, Rheem and Lennox offer free inspections. Get at least three different inspections and take if from there. The best time to replace your existing gas furnace is when you don't need to, meaning don't wait. You don't want to wait until the middle of winter. It's best to be able to take your time and compare gas furnaces and not have to make your choice when it's an emergency.
One very important factor in determining what super efficient gas furnace to buy for your home is the length of time you plan to remain in your home. Of course the longer you stay in your home the more money you will recoup from your initial investment. You're going to need to know the Annual Energy Consumption of the gas furnace. This is, according to the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association the way to get an estimate for the annual heating requirements.
Another consideration is how much it costs to have a gas furnace with a standing pilot light. It's estimated these costs can range up to 12% of the total fuel costs. Today a high efficiency gas furnace with a two stage closed combustion chamber can cut those costs more than in half.
Don't forget to ask about warranty coverage, which can vary between gas furnace manufacturers. The best way to assure you make the right choice is to make an informed choice.
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