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

1. What Size Furnace Do I Need?

Determining the right size home furnace for your home is crucial. A furnace that's too small will struggle to heat your space, while an oversized furnace can lead to inefficient heating and higher energy costs. Here are some essential factors to consider:

• Calculating the heating load: To determine the size of furnace you need, calculate your home's heating load. This involves considering the square footage, insulation, number of windows, ceiling height, and local climate. A professional assessment can provide an accurate heating load calculation, ensuring you choose the right size home furnace. Schedule a free in-home consultation with our Sears Home Services home furnace expert and we’ll perform this essential calculation for you.
• Additional sizing considerations: Beyond the heating load, consider the furnace's efficiency rating, your home's layout, and any specific heating needs. These factors help you find a furnace that meets the heating load while maximizing energy efficiency and comfort.
• Importance of professional assessment: While online calculators and past heating systems can provide estimates, seeking a professional assessment is highly recommended. HVAC professionals have the expertise to accurately assess your home's heating needs and recommend the appropriate size and type of furnace.

2. What Type of Furnace Do I Need?

The type of furnace that you buy determines its energy efficiency. Furnace efficiency significantly impacts its performance and your home's comfort. Here's what you need to know about type of furnace to buy:

Understanding AFUE Ratings

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures a furnace's efficiency. It indicates the percentage of fuel converted into usable heat. For example, a furnace with a 95% AFUE rating converts 95% of the fuel into heat, with only 5% lost. Consider your climate, home size, and energy consumption habits when determining the efficiency level you need. Consulting a professional HVAC technician can help you choose the optimal efficiency level for your needs. When you live in an extremely cold climate, you’ll typically need to consider buying a top furnace brand with a high AFUE rating.

Benefits of High-Efficiency Furnaces

High-efficiency gas furnaces offer numerous benefits, including lower energy bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and advanced features like variable speed motors and smart thermostats. These features enhance comfort and control in your home furnace.

At Sears Home Services, we offer a wide range of high-efficiency gas furnaces designed to meet your specific needs. Our expert technicians can help you choose the right type of furnace and provide professional installation services.

3. What Will My Highest Gas Bill Run?

Understanding the potential impact on your gas bill is essential when shopping for a new gas furnace. Here are key factors to consider:

Estimating Gas Consumption

The efficiency rating of a gas furnace, measured by its AFUE percentage, affects gas consumption. Comparing the AFUE ratings of different models can help you estimate gas consumption and its impact on your monthly bill. A Sears Home Services HVAC consultant will help you estimate gas consumption and understand energy consumption of your new home furnace.

Factors Influencing Gas Bills

Several factors can affect your gas bill, including home size, insulation levels, outdoor temperature, and personal comfort preferences. Discuss these factors with a professional HVAC technician for a better understanding of their impact.

Optimizing Energy Usage

To reduce your gas bill, ensure your home is properly insulated, use a programmable thermostat to set temperature schedules, and maintain your furnace regularly. These steps can improve efficiency and lower gas consumption.

By considering these factors and optimizing energy usage, you can better estimate your highest gas bill when shopping for a new gas furnace. Consult a reputable HVAC professional for personalized advice and recommendations.

4. How Much Will the Furnace Cost?

Understanding furnace costs involves considering several factors, comparing upfront costs versus long-term savings, and exploring financing options and incentives.

Factors Influencing Cost

The size and capacity of the furnace, brand and model, and efficiency rating are key factors affecting cost. Larger and more efficient furnaces generally have higher upfront costs, but they may offer greater long-term savings.

Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Savings

A higher-priced furnace may have a larger initial investment, but it could provide greater energy efficiency and lower monthly utility bills. Evaluating long-term savings can help determine the overall value of the home furnace.

Financing Options and Incentives

Many HVAC companies, including Sears Home Services, offer financing plans to make the purchase more affordable. These plans may include low or no-interest options. Additionally, rebates or tax credits may be available to further reduce costs.

When shopping for a new gas furnace, consider the cost and evaluate the factors influencing it. By comparing upfront costs versus long-term savings and exploring financing options and incentives, you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and energy efficiency goals.

5. How Long Will My New Furnace Last?

Understanding the lifespan of a gas furnace is crucial for making an informed decision. Here's what to consider:

• Estimating average lifespan: The average lifespan of a gas home furnace ranges from 15 to 20 years, depending on several factors. A home furnace in an extremely cold climate typically runs longer to heat the home and won’t last as long. The type of furnace and brand can also influence expected lifespan of the unit. Talk to your HVAC consultant about the expected lifespan of the furnace that you choose for your home.

• Quality of the unit: Investing in a high-quality furnace from top furnace brands, such as those offered by Sears Home Services, can increase its lifespan. Sears installs Carrier, Kenmore and other top furnace brands.

• Proper maintenance: Regular maintenance, including annual inspections and cleanings, can significantly extend the lifespan of your furnace. Sears Home Services offers professional HVAC maintenance services to keep your home furnace running efficiently. To ensure your furnace lasts as long as possible, change filters regularly, keep the area around the furnace clean, and schedule annual professional maintenance.

Additional factors such as severe storms, poor air quality, and frequent power outages can stress your furnace and shorten its lifespan.

By choosing a high-quality furnace and maintaining it properly, you can maximize its lifespan and enjoy reliable heating for years.

6. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Understanding the warranty coverage of a new gas furnace is essential for protecting your investment. Selecting a unit from the top furnace brands typically ensures that the system will be covered by a long warranty with dependable service. Here's what to consider:

• Warranty terms and coverage: Thoroughly read and understand the warranty document to know what is included and what is not. This helps you make an informed decision and avoid surprises later.
• Warranty registration: Many manufacturers require warranty registration within a specific timeframe to activate coverage. Failure to register may result in limited or no protection. Complete the registration process promptly to maximize warranty benefits.
• Additional warranty options: Explore extended warranty options for additional coverage beyond the standard warranty. These options may include benefits like free maintenance checks, priority service, discounted repairs, or complete replacement in case of major issues. Consider covering your furnace with our Sears Protect Home Warranty to get the best coverage.

By opting for additional warranty options, you can enjoy added peace of mind and potentially save on future repair costs. Consider your specific needs and budget to determine if an extended warranty is the right choice for you.