Read This Before Your Next Furnace Purchase

Read This Before Your Next Furnace Purchase

What is the Importance of a Properly Sized Furnace?

 

If you are thinking of getting a furnace installation, you will want to have an HVAC professional help you along the way. Having a properly sized heating system installed is important for many reasons. Cost savings, energy efficiency, occupant comfort and safety concerns are the most important reasons that you will want to be sure your heating system is the correct size for your home.

How a Furnace is Sized 

A professional HVAC contractor will take many different factors into consideration when sizing your new furnace. If they only ask you how big the house is and how many people live there you need to keep looking for another contractor. Most pros will base their decision on the climate, number of occupants, square footage, and number of windows, how the home is insulated, orientation of the home, and what materials the home was constructed with.

Concerns with Improperly Sized Units 

If the furnace, you purchase cannot supply the heating capacity you will need in the coldest months. However, a furnace that is too large comes with its own set of problems. An oversized heating system will constantly cycle on and off which can be annoying to listen to and cause undue wear on the machinery. It will also operate inefficiently and cause problems like uncomfortable swings in temperature. You also have the issue of an oversized unit producing more carbon monoxide than the venting can accommodate. This could pose a dangerous health risk to occupants if the carbon monoxide happens to leak into the home. Finally, a furnace is a large investment and if you buy a unit that is larger than your home realistically needs, you are spending money unnecessarily.

Before You Purchase a New Furnace 

If you are considering purchasing a new heating system, consider making related improvements before you do. As the insulation is a big factor in furnace sizing if you need to upgrade your insulation the time to do it is before your furnace purchase. Adding insulation, upgrading to energy efficient windows and doors, and sealing drafts can make a difference in the size unit you will need. These changes will increase your home’s ability to retain heat, therefore you may be able to purchase a smaller, more cost effective unit.

As you can see, a lot goes into the purchase of a new furnace. By doing some research and hiring a reputable HVAC professional you can enjoy your purchase knowing you made the best decision for your home and family.

Instead of considering a furnace replacement on your own, leave this type of work to The Plumbing Works. Hiring a professional can help you to preserve your property and your money, call us today at (610) 929-8860 for quality services in Reading.