Get the inside scoop on everything you need to know when buying a furnace in 2023. From types and efficiency ratings to features, warranties, and maintenance, our guide will help you make smart and informed decisions, save energy, and keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently all season long.
Follow these recommendations to choose the best size furnace for your home to optimize it’s energy efficiency and lifespan.
Tip: A licensed technician should measure the size of your new furnace to avoid issues with humidity and temperature imbalance post install.
Single stage, two stage, and modulating furnaces refer to the different stages of operation that the furnace uses to control the flow of heat in your home. Here’s a brief overview of each type:
The most basic and commonly installed type of furnace is a single stage furnace.There is only one setting on this type of furnace. If your furnace is on, it operates at the maximum flame setting. There is no middle ground between on and off.
A two stage furnace has two settings for the flow of heat: low and high. It operates at a lower capacity (low setting) most of the time, which can help to maintain a more consistent temperature in your home. The furnace will switch to high capacity when more heat is needed.
A modulating furnace has the ability to adjust the flow of heat in small increments, allowing for even more precise temperature control. It operates at the minimum capacity necessary to maintain the desired temperature, which can help to reduce energy consumption and save on energy costs.
It is important to understand the types of fuel that is available to you before you purchase a new furnace.
Canadians install gas furnaces most frequently because they are safe and cost-effective. It is also a clean-burning fuel that does not produce emissions when burned. Recent advances in gas furnace technology have enabled them to be more energy efficient and have more advanced communication with other home appliances.
Propane is a clean-burning and efficient fuel that is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and efficient. In addition, propane furnaces are known for their durability and reliability, making them a good choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting and reliable heating system.
Oil furnaces are a good option for people living in rural areas without access to other fuels such as gas. Require a regular supply of oil and need to be properly vented to the outside of the building to ensure safe operation.When it comes to operating costs, efficiency, and emissions.
An electric furnace works by using heating elements to warm the air and then blowing the warm air through ductwork to heat your home. They are commonly used in areas with mild winter climates, as they may not provide sufficient heat in very cold temperatures. Here are some pros and cons of electric furnaces:
To make the right decision to buy or rent your heating system, ensure you know what equipment you’re purchasing, total cost of ownership and maintenance requirements.
Tip: You can be sure you’re choosing an energy efficient air conditioner by first checking whether it’s ENERGY STAR® rated.
When it comes to furnaces, there are a variety of features and options that can make a big difference in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Some of the most popular and useful options include:
Set different temperature settings for different times of the day, so you can save energy when you're not home and stay comfortable when you are.
This feature allows the furnace's blower to run at different speeds, depending on the heating demand. This can help to improve the overall efficiency of the furnace, as well as reduce noise levels.
This feature allows the furnace to adjust the amount of gas that is used to heat the home, depending on the heating demand. Improves the overall efficiency of the furnace and gas consumption.
This furnace add-on uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the air. This can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
This feature uses electronic charges to attract and capture small particles, such as dust, smoke, and pollen. This can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma.
This feature uses electronic charges to attract and capture small particles, such as dust, smoke, and pollen. This can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma.
Installing a new furnace is a significant investment. Make sure you get the most out of your new system by choosing a reputable installer who follows these essential steps for proper assessment, expert guidance, and effective consultation
A reputable installer should start by assessing your home's technical aspects and your personal preferences and needs. This includes evaluating the size of your home, the number of rooms, insulation, and ductwork.
The installer should provide expert guidance to ensure that you choose the right furnace size and model for your home. An oversized furnace is more costly to operate, while an undersized furnace may fail to provide adequate heating.
The installer should provide you with 1) a flexible selection of the latest technologies, models, and brands that are suitable for your needs and 2) explain the various features and options available, as well as their benefits and limitations.
Installing a new furnace is a big investment and it’s important to be prepared for the process. This section will explain what you can expect from the installation process and how to prepare your home and family for the installation day.
Before the installation day, clear out any clutter and debris from the furnace room and any other areas where the technicians will be working. Make sure the room is well lit and easily accessible. It's also a good idea to keep kids and pets away from the work area for their safety.
The installation process can be messy, so it's important to protect your home from any potential damage. Make sure the technicians wear booties over their shoes to protect your floors and carpets. Additional floor protection, such as drop cloths, may also be necessary.
After the installation is complete, the technicians will test the new system to ensure proper function. They will also remove and dispose of the old furnace and any other parts, as well as clean up the work area. Expect the process to take around 2 hours.
It is recommended that you consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 7 when choosing a furnace filter for your home, which determines how well the filter will capture airborne particles.
A furnace filter acts as a barrier to trap dust, dirt, and other particles from the air that circulate through the HVAC system. This not only improves the indoor air quality but also helps to prolong the lifespan of the furnace itself.
Properly installed and maintained furnace filters can also help to remove allergens, pollutants, and other harmful contaminants from the air. This can help to alleviate symptoms of allergies and other respiratory conditions.
Regularly replacing your furnace filters can also help to reduce the buildup of allergens in your home, particularly during allergy season. This can help to alleviate symptoms and make your home a healthier place to live.
Tip: Replace your filters at least once a month, if not more often for optimal efficiency.
A good furnace filter may help you or someone in your home who frequently suffers from seasonal allergies or airborne allergens. Replace your filters at least once a month, if not more often for optimal efficiency.
Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace is running safely and efficiently, including checks for potential safety hazards, such as carbon monoxide leaks, and ensuring that the furnace is running at peak performance, consuming the least amount of energy possible.
Prolong your furnace lifespan by cleaning and adjusting the burners, inspecting and tightening electrical connections, and checking the flue for proper ventilation. By identifying and fixing small problems before they become bigger and more costly issues, regular maintenance can help to extend the life of your furnace.
By keeping your furnace running safely and efficiently, you can reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. Identify and fix small problems before they become bigger and more costly issues, regular maintenance can help to extend the life of your furnace, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Keep your furnace running safely and efficiently by following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance, registration, cleaning and record keeping. Maintain warranty coverage with these essential steps.
Many furnace manufacturers require their products to be registered and maintained by a licensed contractor in order to keep the warranty valid. It's important to read the manufacturer's recommendations and follow them closely to ensure that your furnace is running properly and to avoid any issues with warranty coverage.
Regular cleaning and inspection of your furnace can help to identify and fix small problems before they become bigger and more costly issues. This can include cleaning and adjusting the burners, inspecting and tightening electrical connections, and checking the flue for proper ventilation.
Keeping a record of when you last had your furnace serviced, and what was done, can help you stay on top of your maintenance schedule and ensure that your furnace is running safely and efficiently. This can include keeping track of the date of the last service, the type of service performed, and any issues that were identified and addressed.
When purchasing a furnace, it's important to understand the different types of warranties that are available. Different components of the furnace, such as the heat exchanger, or compressor, may have different warranty options. Make sure to research the coverage and limitations of each warranty, as well as the duration of the warranty and how it aligns with your expectations.
Most furnace manufacturers provide a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for a certain period of time. It's important to find out if the warranty also covers labor costs for repairs or replacements. Additionally, research if the warranty is transferable in case you sell your home before the warranty expires.
It's crucial to read the fine print in the warranty document to fully understand the terms & conditions. Check any exclusions or limitations that may apply to your warranty and learn about any registration or maintenance requirements that must be fulfilled to keep the warranty valid. This will ensure that you are fully aware of your rights and obligations under warranty.
Let’s dive into the two most well-known and high-end furnace brands out in the market today and how they differ.
Carrier is a world leader in heating and cooling solutions, known for their advanced technology, best warranty options, and energy-efficient furnaces.
Lennox is a leading brand with over 100 years of experience and a history of excellence, providing quality HVAC systems, known for their energy efficiency and quiet operations.
Carrier’s infinity furnaces feature advanced technology such as modulating gas valves and variable-speed blowers for precise temperature control, making them one of the most advanced and efficient on the market. Long lasting and high-quality parts.
Carrier furnaces come with a 10-year warranty, one of the best in the industry. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that your furnace is protected for a long time. Additionally, Carrier also offers extended warranty options for added protection.
Carrier’s Infinity series of gas furnaces are energy-efficient, with a high-efficiency rating. This means that they use less energy to heat your home, which can result in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Perfect temperatures and reduced energy.
