Choosing the right furnace is essential for your family’s comfort and safety. Making the right decision can help you save on electric bills. With so many choices, you may feel overwhelmed when deciding.
You will need to consider multiple things, and it helps to get professional guidance from our highly trained HVAC technicians at Midway Heating Company in Clackamas, OR. We can help you choose a new furnace that is the right size and has the features your home needs for greater winter comfort.
Types of Furnace Fuel
This is probably your most important choice and should be your first consideration when choosing a new furnace.
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces are standard in many Clackamas homes. They burn natural gas or propane and offer efficient heat. While the upfront installation costs for gas furnaces may be higher than for other types, their long-term savings make them a popular option among homeowners.
Oil Furnaces
Oil furnaces are less common than gas models, usually found in rural areas without gas line access. These systems provide powerful heating but require more maintenance, including oil filter replacements. With fluctuating oil prices, your long-term operating costs may be higher.
Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces produce heat using elements instead of fuel. They are typically less expensive than fuel-driven models but can be more costly to operate, especially in chilly climates like Clackamas.
Furnace Efficiency Ratings
Furnace efficiency impacts your electric bills and the environment. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating (AFUE) measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. Furnaces with an AFUE of 90% or higher only lose an average of 10% fuel through exhaust, making them highly efficient.
Standard-efficiency furnaces usually have a rating of 80% to 89%. Some high-efficiency furnaces reach efficiency levels of 98% or greater. Although high-efficiency furnaces require a higher upfront expense, energy savings over time can cover the initial cost.
You should look for a furnace with the highest AFUE rating you can afford. Standard furnaces are still suitable and offer savings, but according to the US Department of Energy, a high-efficiency furnace can save up to 20%. At Midway Heating Company, we recommend choosing an ENERGY STAR-certified furnace.
Electric furnaces are always rated 100% for efficiency because they don’t lose any heat from burning fuel and venting exhaust gases. However, that doesn’t mean that they warm your home any better. Gas furnaces can heat a home’s air from 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while electric furnaces peak at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below the average body temperature.
How to Choose the Right Size
One of the most essential factors to consider is furnace size. Furnaces too small for your home will struggle to keep it warm, causing your electricity bills to skyrocket. Too large units will cycle on and off too often, leading to wasted energy and a decreased lifespan.
Midway Heating Company can help you choose the right furnace size for your home by performing a special calculation. We perform your home’s calculation based on the following:
- Your home’s square footage
- Its ceiling height
- Home insulation
- Window efficiency
- Climate
Optional Features You Should Consider
Modern furnaces have many features that make them more efficient and easier to control. We recommend researching your options to determine which features will help you heat your home effectively and efficiently.
Variable Speed Blowers
Furnaces with variable-speed blowers can adjust their speed based on your home’s heating demands. These furnaces offer greater temperature precision and work more efficiently than systems with blowers that operate at only one speed.
Modulating Burners
You might see this feature called two-stage burners. Furnaces with modulating burners operate with two different heating levels. On mild days, they operate on the low stage. When temperatures become much colder, the furnace switches to the high stage. Modulating burners switch automatically according to your home’s heating needs.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Furnaces with smart thermostat compatibility allow you to easily set your furnace’s heating schedule, even when you are away from home. You can set your thermostat to keep the furnace from coming on during the day and crank up the heat right before you get home. Smart thermostat compatibility not only helps you better manage your home’s comfort level, but it also helps you save money by avoiding heating needlessly.
Noise Reduction Technology
Noise reduction furnace technology means fewer vibrations and sound insulation. These furnaces typically feature variable-speed motors that operate much more quietly than standard models.
Zoning System Capability
Zoned furnaces operate with separate thermostats for each zone. Depending on the thermostat setting, dampers close off or open airflow to the various zones. These systems prevent energy waste from heating rooms that are not in use.
Maintenance Considerations
You will need to consider how much maintenance each furnace type requires. Electric furnaces typically need much less maintenance than their fuel-driven counterparts. No matter which furnace you have, it will require annual professional maintenance. Many furnace manufacturers require professional maintenance to keep the warranty in good standing. Scheduling furnace maintenance appointments in late summer or early fall helps to prepare for the cold winter months. Scheduling before the weather turns chilly helps you avoid the last-minute rush and long waits for appointments.
Professional Installation
Professional installation is essential when selecting a new furnace. An improperly installed furnace can cause air leaks, carbon monoxide buildup, and improper heating.
Depending on your home, system, electrical, and ductwork, furnace installation can take a few hours or more than one day. Midway Heating Company offers furnace installation for all makes and models.
First, we must remove the old system and ensure the electrical and ductwork systems will work with your new furnace. We sometimes need to make adjustments to accommodate the electrical needs. Our technicians will ensure your electrical system offers enough power to handle the load of your new furnace.
In addition to installing your new furnace, our technicians will ensure proper ventilation. Gas and oil furnaces produce combustion gases that can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home. We vent gas furnaces through chimneys or direct vents and use exhaust pipes with setups according to all local building codes.
How Long Do Furnaces Last?
Once installed, your furnace will last 15 to 20 years on average, but it can last 30 or more with proper maintenance. You can extend the furnace’s lifespan by changing the filters as often as recommended. This can help prevent overheating, which can cause catastrophic system damage.
Midway Heating Company has proudly served Clackamas and the Portland Metro areas since 1959. We offer cooling and heating services, including repair, furnace conversions, maintenance, and installation. Midway Heating Company offers residential and light commercial services. We are a Premier Lennox Dealer, providing services for all makes and models. Our HVAC team is here to help you select the right furnace for your home to keep your family warm. We can help you take the guesswork out of finding a furnace and going through the installation process.
Call our knowledgeable and helpful heating services technicians at Midway Heating Company if you need a new furnace installed in your home. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with our latest news!
