The Benefits of Upgrading and How to Choose a Furnace That Fits Your Home and Your Budget
Don’t rush into making a major purchase based on price alone without doing your research. This article gives you an overview of what to look for when purchasing a new unit—but first off, let’s highlight the benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace:
- You’ll get Improved annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), which not only results in energy and cost savings but also reduces greenhouse emissions and conserves Canada’s natural resources
- Your home’s air quality will be enhanced
- Efficient and quiet operation will lead to noise reduction
- Warranty coverage and fewer repairs, resulting in money savings
So how do you go about choosing an efficient furnace that meets your needs? Here are a few tips:
EnerGuide Label
The EnerGuide label indicates the amount of energy a furnace uses by displaying both its model type and its AFUE rating, and comparing its energy efficiency to similar models. The EnerGuide label is displayed as a scale and can generally be found on the back page of the manufacturer’s brochure.
ENERGY STAR® Symbol
The ENERGY STAR® symbol, endorsed by the Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency, marks products that are energy-efficient and, as a result, comparatively less harmful to the environment. In order to qualify for ENERGY STAR®, furnaces in Canada must have an AFUE rating of 90 or higher. If applicable, the symbol can be found on the actual product, the brochure, or the packaging.
Thermostat
Maximize your energy savings by installing an ENERGY STAR®-qualified programmable thermostat in addition to your high-efficiency furnace. Four temperature settings and individual weekday and weekend programs allow you to fully customize your home heating schedule, saving you money every month. As a rule of thumb, a home temperature reduction of just one degree Celsius can result in a two per cent savings on your heating bill.
Furnace Size
What size furnace you’ll need depends on several factors including your home’s floor space, number of rooms, positioning of windows, insulation, and more. Getting a furnace that’s the right size is essential to maximize the unit’s efficiency. A certified heating professional will be able to assess your needs and propose a high-efficiency furnace tailored to your home.
Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace not only saves you money, but also increases the value of your home and helps conserve Canada’s natural resources. Why wait? Call a Heating & Cooling Expert today to take action.
