Texas isn’t the coldest part of the US, but temperatures can still get very low during the winter. A reliable furnace will keep you and your family warm in the colder months.
Sometimes you may just need an AC and heating tune-up, but if your furnace is on its way out, a replacement may be the best choice. Before installing a furnace, however, there are a range of factors you need to think about.
They vary significantly, so you want to take the time to find one that’s suitable for your home. This will ensure you have an efficient solution that will keep your home warm without causing issues or burning too much fuel.
In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of furnaces available, as well as some of the factors you should consider before investing in a new one. Keep reading for more.
Fuel Types
This is perhaps the most important difference you’ll notice when looking at furnaces. The fuel type will determine how efficient it is, how much using it will cost you, how well it will heat your home, and more.
Each type has advantages and disadvantages, so there’s no one option that’s the best. You’ll want to consider how well each option aligns with your needs and lifestyle when making your choice.
Natural Gas
This is the most common type of furnace available, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. You’ll need access to a municipal gas line, so for some people, this simply isn’t an option.
The initial cost of a natural gas furnace is often higher than other types. They typically have lower operational costs, however. In the long run, it can be the most cost-effective type.
They’re straightforward and easy to use, so you won’t need to worry about them being too complicated. As it burns natural gas, however, there’s a risk of CO2 poisoning. You want to make sure you have CO2 alarms in your home.
CO2 is odorless and colorless, so you won’t be able to detect it without an alarm. The fumes can potentially be fatal, so this isn’t something to neglect if you decide to get a natural gas furnace.
Electricity
Electric furnaces are also quite popular, and the installation is generally more affordable than natural gas. They work in a similar way but are more expensive to operate.
The furnace uses electricity along with heating elements to warm the air that it pulls it. It then pushes this air out through air ducts.
The main benefit of electric furnaces over natural gas furnaces is that you only need an electricity supply rather than a municipal gas line. There’s also no risk of CO2 poisoning with this type.
Propane
Propane furnaces work similarly to the two above. They don’t need to be connected to a continuous fuel source, however.
They can instead run on propane canisters, which is a major benefit for some people. This type is a popular choice for cabins, RVs, and other structures that may only need a short-term heating solution.
They tend to cost less to install than natural gas furnaces, but they’re also less efficient. This means that they can be more expensive in the long run.
Oil
Oil furnaces are slightly less popular. This is mainly because oil itself is typically quite expensive, so they have high operational costs. On top of this, they’re a bit less efficient than gas furnaces.
They are, however, cheaper to install so the initial cost is lower. They tend to require more maintenance, so the long-term costs can be quite high. With that in mind, a properly maintained oil furnace will last a long time; potentially for decades.
One major drawback with oil furnaces is that the oil tank needs to constantly be ready. If it goes empty, the furnace could dry up and this can damage the system.
Wood
Wood furnaces are generally quite affordable, but they’re the least efficient option and can take a bit more work to use. You need to constantly source wood and put it into your furnace as it burns to keep it going. There are some wood-burning models available that also use another fuel source as a backup.
Other Factors to Consider Before Installing a Furnace
The fuel type is perhaps the most important consideration and the first thing to look at. Once you’ve made a decision on that, there are a few other things you can think about.
Furnace Size
If your furnace is too small, it won’t provide enough heat. Too big, and it will waste energy. You want to get one that’s a suitable size for your home.
A professional HVAC company such as Luxury Air can help here. We can assess your home to determine the most suitable size furnace and can give you advice on what you should go with.
Cost
You should set an initial budget so you know how much you can spend on your furnace. Let us know what your budget is and we’ll take this into account when determining the best furnace for your home.
You should also consider operating and maintenance costs for the future. If you have any issues, we can provide a furnace or AC repair free estimate. We can also organize a regular maintenance plan to keep your furnace in good working order.
Additional Features
Modern furnaces allow for various additional features such as variable speed blowers and multi-stage operation. Bear in mind that such features will come at an additional cost, so think about these alongside your budget.
Your New Furnace
It’s important to consider all options available to you so you can choose the right furnace for your home. Think about the cost of installing a furnace along with operational/maintenance costs, and your own preferences.
Luxury Air offers furnace installation, heating and cooling maintenance, HVAC repair, and more throughout Montgomery County. Our services are affordable, and we allow financing options to make things easier for you. Contact us for your free furnace estimate today.
