Save on a New Furnace

You go to turn on the heat and your house just isn't getting warm like it used to. That furnace has been in the house longer than you have, so it looks like it is time to replace it. Buying a new furnace is a big investment, but there are ways to save some money, both now and in the long run.

First, you need to decide between a singe-stage or two-stage furnace. A traditional single-stage furnace runs the burner at full blast and shuts off until heat is called for. It costs $500 less than a two-stage furnace, but the trade-off is lower energy efficiency, hot and cold spots, and inconsistent temperatures.

A two-stage furnace has a high and a low burner setting. It normally runs on low unless full blast is needed. It costs $500 more than a single-stage unit, but it delivers consistent heat, which means fewer drafts and temperature swings, and is quiet and energy efficient.

Another way to save money is to find out the right size of furnace for your home. You may actually need a smaller house furnace than what you currently have. Older furnaces were usually oversized so that the house was always warm enough. But new higher efficiency furnaces can have a lower BTU rating and still put out the same amount of heat. For example, a new 94% efficient furnace that is rated at 80,000 Btu puts out as much heat as an old 75% efficient 100,000 BTU furnace.

Buy a reputable brand. This is not the time when generic is the same as the brand name. Look for the major brands or one of their subsidiaries. If you don’t recognize the brand, do your own checking online before you buy.

The installation is another way to save money. When you decide on a furnace, get a proposal from the installer, not a bid. Go with someone who provides a detailed written proposal that outlines exactly what he will and won’t do. He should list the manufacturer and model number of the proposed equipment as well as the cost of any plumbing, venting changes or electrical work required.

Along that line, make sure the pro installs a new thermostat. Furnaces and thermostats, just like cars, have gotten increasingly computerized, and they can require some pretty serious know-how to get them to work right, so don't risk a mistake with a DIY job.

If you are concerned about the health of your commercial or residential HVAC system, give Shakley Mechanical a call! Our technicians have experience servicing any type of furnace in the Mansfield and Ashland areas, and surrounding communities.