Furnaces

How to Choose the Right Furnace for Your Home?

When winter approaches, many homeowners consider upgrading to a new furnace. Sometimes this can be a difficult process, since there are many different options and brands that are available. The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that you are comparing apples-to-apples when considering different furnaces. The following are the three main options to consider when choosing a new furnace.

1. The Efficiency of the Furnace or AFUE Rating (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

Today, new furnaces are generally between 80-96% efficient. If a furnace is 96% efficient, it simply means that 96% of the energy that goes into the furnace is converted into heat. Older furnaces in 15+-year-old homes can be as low as 60% efficient. Thus, upgrading to a 96% efficient furnace can reduce heating bills by 30% or more. Typically, in colder weather states such as Wisconsin, a 90%+ efficiency furnace is recommended. The only exception is in vacation homes that are not occupied for extended periods of time during the winter.

2. Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Furnace

A single-stage furnace will start and finish on high stage. With a two-stage furnace, the furnace will heat your home 83% of the time on low stage and keeps temperatures 73% more consistent then the single stage, Thus, the two-stage furnace decreases energy consumption, while providing a more comfortable, quieter home to live in.