Learn About The Latest Technologies Before Purchasing A New Furnace
A heating system can last for a long time. Therefore, when it's time to finally replace your heating system with a new one, you may not be familiar with what is available and what heating system would be the best option for you. The best way to find out what options are available to you is to contact an HVAC installation technician.
Heat Pumps
Traditionally, the most common way to generate heat was to burn fuels to generate heat. However, increasingly, another method that is available is to generate heat by using a heat pump to transfer the heat from outside your home into it during the winter. During the summer, the heat pump reverses its flow by transferring heat outside similar to an air conditioner.
A heat pump might be a better option for you because it is more efficient. Rather than generating heat, the heat pump transfers heat, and you can see a significant drop in your energy bills. However, if you live in a colder climate, it may not be effective enough.
Ground Heat Pumps
Rather than extracting heat from outside, another option is to extract heat from the ground. This type of heat pump is even more efficient but is also more expensive to install. They are also known for being very reliable and have components found within the ground that can last for many years.
More Efficient Furnaces
Even if you are intending to continue to use fossil fuels to power your furnace, there are some fossil fuels that are more efficient than others. Natural gas tends to be more efficient than oil, and electric furnaces are the least efficient of all. However, you will also need to choose a fuel source that is readily available in your area.
Also, you'll want to look for a furnace that is rated by the U.S. Department of Energy. All new furnaces must display AFUE ratings. The AFUE percentage indicates the percentage of your home that will be heated and how much heat will be lost. However, this is not factoring in the amount of heat lost through your air ducts.
If you live in a mild climate, you may be happy with a single-stage furnace. However, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to purchase a two-stage furnace instead so that the furnace can operate with a higher or lower flow of gas to adjust efficiency.
Contact a heating installation technician to learn more.
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