Furnace Installation Guide
Need a new furnace in Sacramento? Check our Furnace Replacement Guide for everything you need to know about selecting a new heating system for your home.
Furnace Installation Guide
Before purchasing a furnace or upgrading from the one you have now, it is important that you do extensive research on the options that are available. There are factors that you should consider that may help you save on energy costs as well as in improving your comfort during your Sacramento furnace replacement project. Today on our blog, our team compiled all of their knowledge to create a furnace installation guide. Read on to learn more about furnaces!
Types of Furnaces
The most common types are electric, oil, and gas furnaces.
Electric furnaces
If you live in an area that does not experience extreme winter weather, like Sacramento, this is an excellent choice for you. These furnaces are expensive to operate as they increase electricity costs. They are however fairly energy-efficient, especially in locations where the temperature stays above freezing.
Benefits of electric furnaces include:
- They are typically small in size
- Easy to install. For furnace installation, contact our furnace installation Sacramento experts at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing.
- They do not require special piping or venting
- Have low initial upfront costs
- They are easy to maintain
- Can last for up to 20 years
Oil furnaces
These types of furnaces aren’t popular these days as they once were due to the unstable oil prices. They are however a good choice for locations that experience harsh winters.
They need a fuel storage tank, so you need to consider space as well as include the additional costs of purchase. Since you only pay for oil when the fuel tank is filled, this eliminates monthly operating costs as the fuel tanks are filled either annually, semi-annually, or quarterly. This is dependent on the size of the storage tank.
Gas furnaces
These are the most common furnaces that are used and are the best choice for regions that experience extreme winters.
In comparison to electric furnaces, gas furnaces have a higher upfront cost but their low monthly operating costs offset this. Gas furnaces are also highly efficient and they heat your home quickly. However, they come with additional costs which include installation costs, replacing as well as maintenance costs.
Gas furnaces need their ducts to be cleaned regularly and the main unit should be inspected annually by a professional, and the filters need to be replaced regularly as well. Find a Sacramento heating company to perform these needed maintenance tasks.
BTU Capacity
BTU capacity refers to British Thermal Units. It is important to make sure that the furnace you would like to purchase has the heating capacity that is needed for your home. For each square foot of space in your home, plan for approximately 30 to 60 BTUs.
There are a few factors that should be considered when considering BTU capacity, such as:
- The age of your home
- The climate of the area you live in
Think big about this. You’d rather have a larger furnace that encompasses your needs and more rather than have a small one that does not provide enough heat for your home.
However, Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, the best heating company Sacramento, cautions that a high BTU rating isn’t all you need; you should also consider a furnace’s AFUE rating.
AFUE Rating
This refers to the annual fuel utilization efficiency of a furnace. AFUE ratings give the calculations of how energy efficient a furnace is at converting its fuel source into heat in a year. This will allow owners to compare fuel sources and furnace models.
It should be noted that a furnace’s AFUE rating does not include heat losses of the piping/duct system. These heat losses can make up about 35% of the total energy output of the furnace, particularly for ducts that are located in poorly insulated spaces such as the attic or garage.
Load Calculation
Performing a load calculation is the best way to find a furnace that meets your needs. An HVAC professional from a Sacramento heating company is the best person to perform a load calculation for your home. A load calculation considers various factors that may influence your home heating needs such as the size of your house, the foundation type, the location, window locations, and types.
A load calculation makes certain that your heating system can heat your entire house adequately. Additionally, it saves you money as you’ll not be purchasing a system that offers more than what you need.
Warranty
Installing a new furnace comes with its own benefits, such as a warranty. This ensures that most defects and repairs will be covered. Warranties range between 5 to 10 years, depending on the unit’s manufacturer. You can also purchase an extended warranty at an additional fee.
Furthermore, furnace installations vary, depending on various factors such as:
- the local climate
- where you are located
- the type of unit to be installed
- the brand of the unit
- the size of your home
- the installer’s experience
- the fuel source
- whether ductwork needs to be done or not
When purchasing a new furnace, do not go for the least expensive unit. Instead, buy the best that would fit yours and your family’s/home’s needs. It is worth the additional investment.
The same goes for the company that will be installing your furnace. You should make sure that your installer has the right level of expertise, experience, and provide the quality service that your furnace needs. Check out Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing for efficient and affordable services. However, if you’d prefer not to upgrade at this moment and instead choose to repair your furnace, please call in a Sacramento heating repair professional for any major repairs. Additionally, scheduling maintenance visits yearly to ensure your furnace is working at optimum efficiency. This will prolong your furnace’s lifespan as well as save you a lot on monthly heating costs.
Sacramento Furnace Installation Experts
At Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, we have tons of experience installing, servicing, and repairing all types of furnaces. Contact us today and let our experts attend to all your home’s heating needs.
