Fall is here and Winter is on the way. If you are thinking about a new furnace for your home, now it the time to replace that old one. Don't wait until it won't warm your house to start thinking about getting a new heating system. 
While being comfortable is important, you should also consider energy efficiency and cost as priorities as well.
Although electric and oil furnaces are still available, forced air furnaces that utilize propane or natural gas, are generally the most efficient and economical heating systems here in Central Ohio.
Forced Air Furnace Energy Efficiency is measured according to how efficiently each unit produces heat. This measurement is known as the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. AFUE is determined by comparing the amount of fuel consumed to the amount of heat created. For example, an AFUE of 80% means that 80 cents of each dollar is being converted into effective heat, while 20 cents is essentially wasted.
The amount of heat that is required to properly and efficiently heat your home to a comfortable level is measured by the term “BTU’s”. BTU’s, or British Thermal Units, can be defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one (1) degree Fahrenheit. Proper sizing and selection of a furnace for your home is based on many factors, the AFUE and BTU considerations are among the most important. Also furnace selection is affected by the five different types that are available:
Single-Stage
Single Stage Furnaces have one fan speed, and are available with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of both 80% and 95%. These furnaces operate at 100% BTU Capacity at all times. These are the most common furnaces, but generally the least efficient and loudest on terms of operation.
Two-Stage Furnace
Two-Stage Furnaces have 2 fan speeds, and are available with an AFUE of both 80% and 92% (or greater) These furnaces operate at 60% BTU Capacity, and progress to 100% as necessary. Two-Stage Furnaces provide a more uniform heat distribution, and are generally a bit quieter than Single Stage Furnaces.
Two-Stage Variable Speed Furnace
Two-Stage Variable Speed Furnaces are available with an AFUE of both 80% and 95% (or greater) These furnaces operate at 60% BTU Capacity, and progress to 100% as necessary via a variable speed motor. Two-Stage Variable Speed Furnaces are much quieter than Single Stage or Two Stage Furnaces. When additional equipment is added to a furnace, 2 Stage Variable Speed Furnaces are the recommended choices for 2 and 3 story homes, and furnaces that also include Air Purification Systems or Heat Pumps.
Three-Stage Variable Speed Furnace
Three Stage Variable Speed Furnaces are available with an AFUE of both 80% and 95% (or greater) These furnaces operate at 60% BTU Capacity, and progress to 100% as necessary via a variable speed motor. Three-Stage Variable Speed Furnaces are much quieter than Single Stage or Two Stage Furnaces. When additional equipment is added to a furnace, Three-Stage Variable Speed Furnaces are the recommended choices for maximum efficiency in 2 and 3 story homes, and furnaces that also include Air Purification Systems or Heat Pumps.
Modulating Variable Speed Furnace
Modulating Variable Speed Furnaces are the very best furnace available in terms of operating efficiency, even distribution of heat, quiet operation, and comfort level. This type of furnace is also the preferred choice when additional equipment of any type is added to the furnace heating system. The range of AFUE levels varies from 80% to 98%
Besides AFUE standards, one very important thing to consider when purchasing a furnace is your family’s safety. Many problems can arise from faulty furnace parts and deterioration over time, so finding the highest quality furnace to begin with can save you time, money, and the headaches of worrying about it breaking down or malfunctioning at an inopportune time.
Your first step is to have a reputable company come in to tune up your furnace, assess its condition, and determine its efficiency. Look at some your old fuel bills from last winter to be able to calculate how much you can save with a new unit.
But owning a new, efficient furnace may not even be the most important part. The furnace installation is critical. It has to be sized properly for your home and installed correctly by a capable, experienced company such as Ohio Heating & Air Conditioning. Otherwise you won't see the fuel savings you expect.
When replacing your furnace, don't forget about the the other important factors in your home system. If the air ducts are leaky, your insulation is minimal, and the weatherstripping around doors and windows is letting all that warm air leak out your nice new furnace won't deliver the energy savings you had hoped for.
When it comes to conditioning your home, Ohio Heating & Air Conditioning has the knowledge and resources to deliver comfort and safety in a home heating system. From small homes to large ones, we have become a trusted name in Columbus and Central Ohio. We also sell and service humidifiers, air cleaners and temperature controls.
With Bryant as our marque line of equipment, we are able to offer competitive prices on custom systems. Whether a basic system or a high end, energy efficient system with zone control, we have an intelligent indoor climate solution for you.
We can provide complete services for you and your family. Whether for repair, maintenance, installation or replacement, choose Ohio Heating & Air Conditioning. We have the experience to meet all of your heating and cooling needs. We are also a Bryant factory authorized dealer.
Thinking About Converting from Oil to Natural Gas?
We can help you. Thanks to technological advances, large domestic supplies of natural gas are increasing and projected to remain abundant for 100+ years. Compared to oil which is an imported commodity and in shrinking supply, the plentiful North American natural gas supplies keep cost low.
While home heating oil is subject to daily price volatility, our rates are set annually, and customers are paying the lowest rates now since 2004. And unlike oil delivery costs that are due when delivered, you pay for natural gas only when you use it. There’s never been a better time to make the switch and we can make it easy.
We make it easy to upgrade with financing options and low monthly payments.
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prevent it from leaving you and your family shivering when you need it the most.
