Tips For Selecting Heating Systems For Your Home
When remodeling or if one has an ageing furnace, they could consider installing a more efficient model. Most new furnaces have an efficiency rating of over 80%. There are several factors that need considering when choosing home heating systems.
Considerations
The existing insulation, heat usage pattern of the house and area of residence all determine the potential payback benefit of installing a new furnace. One also needs to consider whether the renovations will bring in the need for a larger furnace or moving the existing one. If future installation or window installation is planned, one could install furnace that’s more efficient.
New devices have different blower motors which are more efficient than conventional ones. These are ideal in areas where it’s necessary to run the furnace round the clock for comfort purposes. One also needs to calculate the potential savings to be realized with devices of a particular efficiency rating.
The potential savings are calculated by taking into account what one currently spends annually on heating. This needs to be weighed against the cost of purchasing and installing the new equipment. While more efficient models usually cost more, they could be ideal for homes whose annual expenditure on heating is higher. Better HVAC units could also increase the home’s value.
Size
Besides efficiency, the size of the furnace is also essential. Proper sizing means the equipment will cost less to operate. To determine the required size, a heat-loss, heat-gain assessment needs to be done. This needs to take into account the size and configuration of the home, its orientation relative to the sun, as well as the number and type of windows.
Some models are equipped with two-stage burners which allow the equipment operate at lower burn rates when the home’s heating demand is low. The second stage burner is deployed when the demand rises. Such features could be of great benefit for larger houses.
New furnaces have varying flue and venting requirements. The contractor needs to access the existing flue and adhere to code requirements for venting water heaters and furnaces. The necessary local permits and inspections have to be observed.
Choice of Contractor
The contractor’s credentials, including licensing and liability coverage, need to be reviewed. The entire project should be outlined in a written contract. Follow us for more articles that will keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently.
