You might assume that all furnaces are fairly similar. But year after year, new advancements in technology make some furnaces more effective and efficient than others. And with optional upgrades like smart thermostats and zone control available, there’s no better time to get a new whole-home heater for a new home, or if an old system needs replace-ment.
High Efficiency Ratings
One of the main advantages to replacing a furnace early on (before it breaks down) is having the time to compare models and efficiency ratings and ensuring that you have the right one for your home. A system with a high efficiency rating can save you hundreds of dollars a year (with proper maintenance, depending on usage and the age of the system you’re replacing).
A high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating is one that is above about 90 percent. This means that most of the fuel your furnace uses actually goes toward heating the space in your home, for maximum energy savings.
Modulating Furnaces
You might notice that a modulating furnace usually has one of the highest efficiency ratings when you are comparing models. This type of furnace automatically changes speed to allow for more or less heat, rather than simply shutting off the fan and turning it back on as needed. This means that the system is better able to reach temperatures, fluctuating only about 1 or 2 degrees.
Better Control
Purchasing a new furnace presents you with the perfect opportunity to go all out and upgrade to a system that you feel you have total control over. Ask your technician about adding in a smart thermostat that you can adjust with your smart phone. You can also get a zone control system put into your ducts so that there are various thermostats throughout the house.
Get in touch with Bartels Heating & Cooling to learn more about furnaces available in the Hamilton, OH area.