Winter weather is on the way to Bend, OR so now is the time to choose a new furnace to keep your home safe and comfortable. A new furnace is a big decision, and it’s important to make an informed one. Use these three tips to pick the right furnace for cold Oregon winters.
1. Energy Efficiency
If you want to decrease your home’s carbon footprint, choose a furnace with the highest annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating you can afford. Gas furnaces range from 80% to 98.5% AFUE. Electric furnaces are 100% AFUE. An Energy Star-certified furnace is also a good choice. These systems use 30% less fuel compared to a non-certified furnace to provide the same amount of heat. They accomplish this through more efficient motors and blowers.
Maximize Efficiency with High-AFUE Energy Star Furnaces
Consider the type of fuel you want your furnace to use. If your home has a natural gas connection, this is the most cost-effective choice. However, propane delivers more heat per unit of fuel. If you choose propane, you’ll have to arrange regular deliveries. There are also electric furnaces, which don’t burn fuel. Instead, they use electrical resistance, like a toaster. A blower pushes air across the wires, and the heated air enters your home’s ducts.
1. Comfort Features
Comfort features are also important when picking a new furnace. A blower with a variable-speed motor operates at the lowest needed speed, so its heating cycles are longer. This delivers heated air to your home for a longer period. You may also want smart thermostat capability and zoning compatibility for setting different temperatures in different parts of your home.
At Mountain View Heating, we’re proud to provide you with affordable furnace installation services. You can also count on us for reliable heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair, and replacement services. Our indoor air quality solutions help your home stay clean and healthy. For more details about choosing the right furnace for the upcoming cold Oregon winter, contact us at Mountain View Heating.
