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New Furnace?
If
your heating bills are on the rise, now may be a good time to
consider replacing your furnace with a new, more energy-efficient
model. A new furnace might be just the ticket to reducing fuel
bills. New models have much to offer, including increased comfort
and decreased noise.
Even if your older furnace still runs well, you may want to consider
replacing it from an economic standpoint. With the proper selection,
your heating and air conditioning bills can be reduced. The savings
over the long run should be impressive enough to justify replacing
your current furnace sooner rather than later.
There are two basic designs of furnaces: condensing and
non-condensing, which refers to the type of heat exchanger used. The
condensing model is most efficient and may be the best choice for
more homeowners. The efficiency of condensing models ranges from
about 90 to 95 percent. A computerized thermostat should be
installed. Combined with the electronic controls in the new furnace,
it will maintain even room temperatures.
The new models are highly efficient with so little heat lost in the
flue gases that a chimney is no longer necessary. The gases are
exchanged by a two-inch-diameter plastic pipe that runs through an
exterior wall to the outdoors. There is no need for a chimney liner,
so a condensing furnace is often cheaper to install than a less
efficient model.
Some new models also offer sealed combustion, which increases
efficiency. The combustion air is drawn in from the outdoors through
another plastic pipe instead of being drawn from within the house.
There are fewer indoor drafts, less noise and less chance for
hazardous back-drafting.
A two-stage heat output furnace with a variable speed blower costs
more initially but offers the ultimate in comfort and efficiency.
This type of blower is also the best for central air conditioning as
well. In all but the coldest weather, the gas burners operate at a
low heat level, which allows the furnace to burn continuously with
fewer on/off cycles. The blower runs more slowly and more quietly at
the low level. During periods of very cold weather, it automatically
switches to high heat.
In addition to lower utility bills, the quiet operation and comfort
of a new heating system will most likely impress you. If you have a
furnace that's more than 17 years old, it likely runs at about 60
percent efficiency. A new, energy efficient furnace can cut utility
bills by 40 percent. A little simple math will determine your annual
savings. Contact your HVAC contractor for information about the best
system for your home and to request a free estimate.
Copyright 2006 PropertySource Network |
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Jeannie Hamilton
ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, GRI, SRES
Broker/Owner
Hamilton Properties
1100 Deer Trail Road
Boulder, CO 80302-9437
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Office: |
303-443-9221 |
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Cell: |
303-817-9988 |
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Fax: |
888-449-3611 |
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Toll Free: |
800-443-9212 |
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Email: |
jeannie@jeannierealtor.com |
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Email
webmaster@jeannierealtor.com with
questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2012 Jeannie Hamilton, Inc
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Last Updated:
January 24, 2012
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