Size of the Unit
Getting the correct size furnace for your home is the most important consideration. When it comes to comfort, a bigger furnace is not always better. When it comes to cost, a smaller furnace isn’t always more economical. Furnace size is measured in BTUs. Installing one that is too big will potentially cause the unit to cycle more frequently, essentially making it work harder than necessary. This increases operating costs, puts you at risk for more frequent repairs, and can shorten the life of your furnace. A furnace that is too small will simply be unable to fully heat your home and will run all the time, running up your energy bills. Arctic Heating & Cooling can determine the correct size furnace for your home, and that should be one of the first steps in choosing a furnace.
Efficiency of the unit
Your new furnace will be vastly more efficient than your old one, simply because technology has advanced significantly over the past few decades. There is, however, a broad range from the minimum-efficiency required to meet regulations and the top-of-the-line models. Greater efficiency translates into less wasted energy, better performance and lower operating costs.
Efficiency is measured in AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) – the higher AFUE rating the greater the efficiency. Currently the minimum acceptable AFUE in Illinois for replacement furnaces is 80%. Because our winters can be quite cold, however, a higher AFUE furnace can be worth the added expense because lower energy bills can recoup the extra cost, and will continue over the life of the unit.
Other Considerations
There are other points to consider when choosing a new furnace such as the stage or burner type, the blower type, and price. Arctic Heating & Cooling can help you make the best choice for your home comfort.
Join our HVAC Service Club
The Arctic Heating and Cooling Service Club offers comprehensive solutions for maintaining peak performance in your HVAC system. For an annual fee of $240 or $20 per month, members benefit from transparent pricing, including no overtime charges or diagnostic fees, along with priority scheduling for service. With a focus on annual maintenance checks, our skilled technicians conduct thorough inspections and tune-ups to identify and address potential issues before they escalate, all while providing a 15% discount on service repairs and a 5% discount on equipment purchases for members. Invest in the Arctic Service Club today to experience the peace of mind that comes with proactive HVAC maintenance and reliable service.
