Need A New Furnace? Avoid Making These 3 Mistakes
Posted on: 4 May 2015
If your old furnace barely made it though the last winter, spring is a good time to think about buying a replacement and having it installed. Now that the coldest days of the year are behind you and the hottest days are yet to come, your favorite HVAC company will be less busy, and you won't have to wait as long for an installation appointment. Even better, you may be able to snag a deal by buying at a time when heaters aren't in great demand. Just avoid the following common mistakes, and you'll have a great new heater in plenty of time for the next winter.
Taking the Furnace that Costs the Least
Sure, you want to get a great deal on your new furnace, but it's worth keeping in mind that a furnace is an ongoing expense, not a one-time expense. The furnace that costs the least isn't always the one that will save you the most money on your energy bills, and it just makes good financial sense to invest a little more money up front in a furnace that will save you money in the long run.
When you're buying a furnace, the number that you should be looking at is the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. This number lets you know how much fuel your furnace is actually converting to heat, and how much is lost through vents or chimneys. The higher the AFUE rating, the more money you'll save on your energy bills. An 80% AFUE rating is good for a standard furnace, and a high efficiency furnace can have an AFUE rating higher than 95%.
Not Taking Advantage of Rebates
Another thing that you should consider when picking out a furnace is that you may be eligible for rebates or tax credits if you choose the right furnace. In an effort to promote cleaner energy, many states offer tax credits to help homeowners cover the cost of upgrading to newer and more efficient home heating devices. Manufacturers also offer rebates to help promote clean technology. That means that if you choose the right furnace, you'll end up with a new and more reliable heater, lower energy bills, and money back to help offset the money that you had to spend up front.
Your heating contractor should be able to fill you in on what rebates or tax credits are available in your area, and which furnaces qualify for these incentives. However, if you want, you can also look up the tax credit and rebate programs in your area yourself by using an online database – you may find something that your contractor missed.
Not Getting a Maintenance Contract
Just as you should consider the big picture when it comes to choosing between paying less up front or paying less in energy costs in the long run, you should also consider the big picture when it comes to maintaining your furnace. You may save a little money right now by declining a service contract, but unexpected breakdowns in the middle of winter can cost you a bundle when you least expect it, and maybe when you don't have the money to cover it.
A good maintenance contract can protect you from those unexpected breakdowns. Your service technician will come by annually to make sure that your furnace is clean, that your electrical connections are secure, and that everything is functioning as it's supposed to. This prevents breakdowns, extends the life of your furnace, and ensures that it's operating at peak efficiency, so that you get the full benefit of the furnace's AFUE rating. Schedule your annual maintenance for the spring or summer months so that if you do end up needing repairs, you have plenty of time to work out how to pay for them before the weather gets cold.
By avoiding these mistakes, you'll end up with more money in your pocket while providing your family with reliable home heating. Call a local heating installation contractor to find out more about choosing and installing the perfect new furnace for your home.
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