Things to Consider When Installing a New Furnace

Before you replace your furnace, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you get the best possible product for your needs. There are several types of furnaces, with some newer models having nifty features that can help you better regulate your energy spending while keeping you warm.

What Size Should the Furnace Be?

When you replace your old furnace, most contractors will recommend a furnace that is either the same size as your previous model or offer you one that is more proportional to the size of your home. In preparation, it might help to investigate the best size of furnace for your cubic footage. Keep in mind, square footage doesn’t accurately represent the total space your furnace needs to heat, especially if you have high ceilings.

The size of the furnace should be proportional to your building, or you run the risk of it breaking down early or inefficiently heating your home. A furnace that is too large can short cycle, waste energy and drive your electric bill up, while a furnace that is too small for your building could run incessantly while failing to adequately heat your space.

What Fuel-Type Does Your Furnace Need?

The two most common fuel types for furnaces are gas and electric. Knowing the type of hookup that your home has can help you select the best type of furnace for your home. Gas furnaces are typically more affordable to operate but electric furnaces may have lower upfront and maintenance costs.

Some homes have hookups for both furnace types. If this is the case for your home, you should consider which type of fuel would work best for you. Both types have pros and cons.

• Gas Furnaces: Natural gas heating is usually cheaper than electric heating, so in most areas you can expect the monthly cost of heating your home to be lower with a gas furnace. Gas furnaces can also generate greater heat than electric furnaces, but unfortunately, they can cost more to purchase and install and have a shorter service life than electric furnaces.

• Electric Furnaces: Electric furnaces don’t need the exhaust systems that most gas furnaces require. Another positive with an electric furnace is that you don’t need a gas line installed in your property for an electric furnace to work. Electric furnaces cost less upfront but can be more costly to operate due to comparatively high energy requirements and how much heat you need generated to keep your home warm in the winter.

Do You Want to Install Zoned Heating?

While you research new furnaces for your home, you might want to consider zoned HVAC. Zoning systems use dampers in the vents in your HVAC system to redirect airflow to the rooms that need it most. Zoned HVAC system can help you save energy by optimizing where heat is sent, like focusing your heating expenditure on rooms that are occupied rather than empty rooms (like spare bedrooms). If you have large windows in your building or have noticed that one room or floor has more stable temperatures than others, a zoned HVAC system might be appropriate for you.

Ductless mini-split systems also provide zoned temperature control since each room will have its own air handler and thermostat. You also won’t need to modify ductwork to enjoy the benefits of zoned heating when you install ductless mini-split heat pumps.

How Much Will Installation Cost?

The cost of installation will vary depending on the model and accessories you choose to get. If your ductwork needs to be modified the cost of installation will be higher. Overall, when you install a new furnace, you can expect to spend between $4,000 and $8,000.

Furnace Replacement in Southlake, Texas

Tom’s Mechanical Inc. has been serving Tarrant County for over 60 years. We guarantee that when you hire us you will receive quality care. We service both residential and commercial clients with heating maintenance, replacement or repair needs and offer 24/7 heating repairs for emergency situations.

If your furnace is past its prime, we can help you replace it. You can rest easy after hiring us because we have earned a reputation for performing jobs right the first time. Call us at 972-388-3669 or reach us online to receive a furnace replacement estimate.