Gas Furnaces

If you live in an area where gas is readily available, then a gas furnace is going to be more affordable to use than the electric furnace. However, with gas furnaces come a price, burning fuel generates fumes and those have to go somewhere. For most gas furnaces, the fumes generated are enclosed in the exchanger and then exit the house through an exhaust vent, so should you choose a gas furnace, make sure it is installed properly so those fumes are not entering your house. Also remember, a gas furnace should be checked for holes, leaks or cracks by a qualified professional at least once a year. If there was a break or crack in the furnace it would mean that the furnace is letting carbon monoxide seep into your house. So, if you have a gas furnace, maintain it well, and but a carbon monoxide alarm just in case!

Electric Furnaces

The electric furnace has a higher cost than a gas furnace, as stated earlier, but the plus side is that since electric furnaces do not use flames, they do not generate any carbon monoxide. Thus, the electric furnace is cleaner and safer than a gas furnace.

2. The quality of the furnace

Furnaces are a real investment, so you want to get a furnace that is going to work well for long time. The quality determines how long and how well it will perform. So, when choosing a furnace, choosing a brand of furnace that has a history of quality and reliability is smart. Doing so generally means that it will be less costly in the long run even if it is a little pricier upfront. Also, by going with a well known brand, should you ever need to repair the furnace, you are more likely to be able to find parts and at a reasonable price.

3. Is the furnace energy efficient?

The efficiency of gas furnaces are determined by the AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings. The AFUE ratings identifies how efficiently is the fuel being consumed. The higher the AFUE rating the better efficient the furnace. So, look for a high rating, and remember that if you pay a little more now you save a lot later.

4. What are the comfort features of the furnace?

When you buy a furnace you can opt for extra features as several furnaces provide features that increases comfort and efficiency. Some of these features are as follows:
The two-speed furnace: This feature means that the furnace can function at low speed for most of the time. This means a quieter operation for a longer amount of time. While you may not want your furnace running longer, it has benefits, for example, the longer run periods allow for fewer start/stop cycles, less drafts, and very little temperature variance. Also, these two-speed furnaces provide better circulation and a more consistent temperature in the house.

Variable-capacity furnaces: These furnaces regulate your needs by automatically adjusting air volume and speed, providing the most efficient heating and cooling.

5. How much noise does the furnace make?

You don't want a super noisy furnace, so pick one that will not bother you, actually listen to it before buying it. If you are super concerned about noise, go with a two-speed unit or a variable-capacity unit as these units generally operate at a low noise levels.