What to Ask When Shopping for a New Gas Furnace in 2024: The Essential Guide

Ask these questions when shopping for a new gas furnace, so you get the best furnace for your home and your budget.

With the right furnace, you'll rest comfortably in a warm home during the cold winter months — and you won’t be frozen with shock when you get your first heating bill.

1. What Size Furnace Do I Need?

“It’s critical that the furnace you buy is the right size for your home," says John Ferrua, head of HVAC for Sears Home Services. “A furnace that is oversized or undersized won’t work at peak efficiency and won’t keep your house as comfortable as it should.”

Factors such as your home's square footage, insulation levels, ceiling height, and number of windows all play a part in determining the appropriate furnace size.

Your furnace expert can figure out the right size for the furnace, using a Manual J load test. The Manual J load test calculates how much heat your home loses to the outdoors through the roof, walls, windows, doors and basement. The formula also takes into account your home's construction, insulation, location and other factors.

2. How Efficient a Furnace Do I Need?

When buying a new furnace, efficiency should be at the top of your list. Simply put, the efficiency of a furnace refers to how well it converts fuel into heat. A furnace that does this effectively can lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. It's like having your cake and eating it too!

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures this efficiency. For instance, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 95% converts 95% of the fuel into heat, while only 5% is wasted.

Efficiency ratings for gas furnaces range from 80 percent to 98 percent.

A higher-efficiency furnace uses less natural gas, but costs more up front: A 98-percent efficient furnace can cost about $3,000 more than a standard 80-percent efficient furnace.

“A lot of factors go into determining which efficiency level is best for your home,” Ferrua explains. “It’s always a good idea to work with a licensed HVAC professional to find what’s best for your needs.”

When purchasing a furnace, remember to balance initial cost with potential energy savings over time.

3. What Will My Highest Gas Bill Run?

Based on the size and type of furnace that you select, ask your furnace expert for an estimate of potential savings on your gas bills.

4. How Much Will the Furnace Cost?

Knowing what to ask when shopping for a new gas furnace in 2024 includes understanding the different cost factors. The size of your home, the heating capacity required, and the furnace's energy efficiency rating can all significantly impact the cost of buying a furnace.

When considering the cost, don't forget to factor in the warranty and the reputation of the brand. After all, peace of mind has value too!

Get an accurate estimate of the total cost of the entire system—including installation and hidden costs. You don't want to be unpleasantly surprised by the bill being several thousand dollars more than you expected. Examine the estimate closely and ask about any unexpected costs that may arise during installation.

5. How Long Will My New Furnace Last?

The lifespan of your gas furnace is another important consideration when buying a new furnace. The quality of construction, regular maintenance, and quality of installation can all impact how long your furnace lasts.

Your heating expert should be able to estimate the average lifespan of the furnace that you choose. Most furnaces last 20 years, but furnace longevity can vary based on usage and maintenance. Ask for maintenance and use tips that can help your furnace last as long as possible.

To prolong the lifespan of your furnace, ensure proper ventilation, schedule regular maintenance, and consider a programmable thermostat to optimize energy usage.

6. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Warranty coverage is a critical consideration when buying a new furnace in 2024. Typically, furnace warranties cover specific components, such as the heat exchanger, blower motor, and igniter. Find out what the furnace warranty covers and the length of the warranty. Also ask whether installation is covered.

Asking the right questions up front when buying a new gas furnace will help you get the most value for the money you spend, and you'll avoid unpleasant surprises.

With the answers you get from these questions, you can shop for a new furnace with confidence. Ready to learn more about your furnace options? Schedule a free consultation.