Your heating and cooling system eats up almost half of your energy bill, according to the Department of Energy. That’s why you should have an energy-efficient furnace that helps you waste less energy, which is better for the earth and your wallet.
But shopping for an energy-efficient furnace isn’t always easy. That’s why we put together this list of the 7 best tips to help you pick the perfect new furnace!
6 Tips For Buying an Energy-Efficient Furnace
Check the Rating
Most furnaces manufactured these days are already energy-efficient because of advancements in technology. So no matter which one you buy, it will probably be better on your utility bill than your old one. But not all new furnaces are created equally. When you’re shopping, check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) number–the higher the number is, the more efficient the furnace. Also, keep an eye out for the Energy Star models, because they tend to have the highest AFUE numbers.
DC, Not AC
When shopping for a furnace, don’t forget about the fan motor. Check that your new furnace runs on direct current (DC) rather than alternating current (AC) because these fans will be the most customizable and thus energy efficient.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Don’t just buy the biggest furnace you find because you think it will give your home more heat. It’s actually better to have an HVAC technician tell you what size furnace you need based on the size of your home. If your furnace is too small, it will need to work overtime to heat your house. If it is too big, it will turn on and off too frequently, which raises your utility bills and wears down the machine’s components.
Swap for a Heat Pump
Heat pumps run off of electricity, which can make them expensive, but they move air rather than heating it, so they are incredibly efficient. So if you want to stick with electricity, consider a heat pump instead of an electric furnace.
Choose Condensing
A condensing gas furnace is extra efficient, so it’s perfect for those trying to cut down on energy usage. Condensing furnaces ever use their exhaust to heat your home, so it barely wastes anything.
Go Green
An energy-efficient furnace is a great start to reducing your utility bills and helping the planet, but there’s more you can do to make your HVAC system greener. Opt for a smart thermometer that is programmable, so your furnace knows to heat your house less during those times of day when nobody is at home. And besides your furnace, your air conditioner is another big energy consumer. Upgrading your old AC to an energy-efficient unit along with your furnace will drastically reduce your utility bills.
Need Professional Help?
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient furnace installed in your New England home, give Evolved Mechanical a call at (781) 324-2560. Our team of licensed and experienced HVAC techs is here to help you select the furnace that best fits your needs and your budget.