Is it time for you to shop for a new furnace? As a homeowner, one of the most important systems in your house is the furnace that keeps you warm all winter long. When it comes time to replace your old, failing furnace, you’ll want to find the best retailer that offers quality products, expertise, fair pricing, and professional installation. This article will guide you through what to look for when shopping for a new furnace and where to find the best value for your home.
Is it Time for You to Shop for a Furnace?
How can you tell if your current furnace is ready to be replaced? Here are some signs that it may be time to shop for a new furnace:
- Frequent furnace repairs and breakdowns
- Higher than normal energy bills for heating
- Cold spots or uneven heating in your home
- Strange smells or loud noises from your furnace
- A furnace over 15 years old
If you notice any of these issues, it’s a sign that your furnace is operating inefficiently or is at risk of failure. Replacing an older furnace with a new, more efficient model can save you money on energy costs and improve comfort.
The Different Types of Furnaces
Once you decide it’s time for a new furnace, you’ll have options when it comes to the type of heating system. Here are the main categories of furnaces:
- Gas furnaces are the most common type of furnace in homes today. They burn natural gas or propane to generate heat. High-efficiency gas furnaces can reach up to 98% AFUE ratings.
- Electric furnaces use heating elements to warm air. They can reach 99% AFUE ratings, but electricity is more expensive per BTU than gas.
- Oil furnaces are less common but burn heating oil. They can reach up to 86% AFUE ratings.
- Heat pumps act as both a heater and an air conditioner. They move heat rather than generate it directly. While more expensive upfront, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling efficiency.
When choosing a furnace type, consider your home’s fuel source, efficiency needs, and upfront costs. A furnace expert can advise you on the best system.
Why the Size of Your Furnace Matters
One of the most important factors when selecting a furnace is getting the proper size for your home. Having an oversized or undersized furnace will lead to inefficient operation and comfort issues.
To determine the right size, you need to calculate your home’s heating load – the amount of heat needed to maintain comfort on the coldest day. Proper load calculation accounts for factors like:
- Square footage
- Insulation
- Number and size of windows
- Climate and local temperatures
Getting an accurate calculation requires a professional. Improperly sized furnaces will cycle on and off frequently, overheat or under heat your home, and lead to higher bills. Professional furnace experts have the tools and knowledge to determine the perfect size furnace for your house.
Energy Efficiency Matters
When comparing new furnaces, one of the biggest considerations is energy efficiency. High-efficiency furnaces can significantly reduce your heating costs over time.
Furnace efficiency is measured by AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace is. Modern gas furnaces can range from 80% AFUE to 98% AFUE.
Upgrading from an older 60% AFUE furnace to a new 95% AFUE model can cut your heating costs by as much as 35%. Over a decade, the savings from increased efficiency can often offset much of the upfront furnace replacement cost.
Maximizing energy savings requires proper installation by qualified technicians. Improper setup can reduce real-world efficiency. The best retailers understand how to optimize AFUE ratings during furnace installation.
How to Pick the Right Furnace Retailer
Choosing the right company to buy from and install your furnace is just as important as picking the right heating equipment. This decision deserves careful research and comparison to find the retailer that offers the best overall value. Here are in-depth tips for finding the best furnace company:
Check Reviews and Reputation
The first step is thoroughly researching potential retailers’ reputations and customer feedback. Look beyond just a Google rating – find in-depth reviews on sites like Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau. These provide detailed insights into customers’ experiences – both good and bad. Favor companies with a longstanding history and consistently positive feedback across multiple review sites. Beware companies with red flags like patterns of poor communication, unfinished jobs, hidden fees, or shoddy workmanship. The right retailer can also help you choose the optimal time of year to purchase a new furnace.
Verify Expertise
Reputable heating and cooling companies heavily invest in ongoing technician training and education. Ask prospective retailers about the specific make/model certifications their installers hold. Brand certifications like Trane Comfort Specialist demonstrate up-to-date expertise in correctly sizing and configuring equipment. Technicians should also hold NATE or similar certifications validating broader HVAC knowledge. Beyond certifications, continuous learning is key – ask about regular training sessions and education provided. Well-trained technicians translate directly to superior installation and service.
Compare Pricing
Quality equipment, expertise, and workmanship warrant paying fair market prices without excessive markups. But it’s wise to compare quotes from at least 3 reputable contractors before deciding. Beware quotes that seem suspiciously low or exaggeratedly high compared to competitors. Extreme lowball bids often result in cut corners or added surprise costs. High quotes signal overpricing. Also clarify exactly what is covered in the bid – some retailers tack on fees for items that should be standard inclusions. Get final quotes in writing before signing a contract.
Ask About Financing
For major home upgrades like a furnace replacement, the upfront cost can be a barrier even if the lifetime value justifies the investment. Many retailers offer special financing plans through third parties that allow you to pay over 6 months, 12 months, or longer. Good retailers explain all of the flexible financing options available so that cost doesn’t prevent you from making an important equipment upgrade. Just be sure to read financing terms closely and understand interest rates.
Prioritize Professional Installation
Proper furnace installation is absolutely crucial for energy efficiency, performance, lifespan, and safety. Consider retailers that keep installation fully in-house using their own seasoned employees. Many companies outsource installs to subcontractors – this introduces more variability in workmanship. Retailers who use their own veteran professionals generally achieve higher quality and consistency. Ask about the experience level of technicians who will be handling your install. Companies focused on continuously training seasoned employees deliver expertise that optimizes your equipment investment.
Taking the time to find the right retailer for your furnace replacement pays off over the lifetime of your heating system. Investing in quality products, expertise, and workmanship upfront leads to lower costs and fewer repairs down the road. The best retailers stand behind their installations with strong warranties and service plans as well.
Why You Should Choose Logan A/C and Heat for Your Furnace
When it comes time to replace your furnace, Logan A/C and Heat stands out as an exceptional choice to assist homeowners in Ohio. With 50 years of experience, they are the state’s leading installer of Trane and Mitsubishi equipment. Their expertise, quality of service, and excellent reputation make them a top pick for any furnace replacement.
As a family-owned business, Logan A/C and Heat prioritizes customer relationships for the long term. Their employees are fully certified and specially trained at their own facility. This ensures expertise in furnace sizing, maximizing efficiency, and optimal installation.
Logan A/C and Heat also offer fair, competitive pricing on top brands. They take time to explain costs and financing options tailored to each customer’s needs. Their track record of awards and accolades demonstrates a proven commitment to both quality and affordability.
Most importantly, reviews show Logan A/C and Heat delivers an outstanding end-to-end experience. Their furnace installations are done right the first time by knowledgeable technicians. This gives homeowners peace of mind that their heating investment is optimized. If you’re looking for the best place to buy a quality furnace in Ohio, choose Logan A/C and Heat.
Replacing your old, inefficient furnace with a new model is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner. Taking the time to understand different furnace types, sizing, efficiency ratings, and retailers will pay off in lower energy bills and fewer repairs. When selecting the right company, look for quality products, expertise, fair prices, financing options, and professional installation. For your next furnace replacement in Ohio, consider Logan A/C and Heat – an outstanding choice with 50 years of experience helping homeowners stay warm.
