Glen Allen Furnace Installation Service
Furnaces are a popular type of home heating system for many reasons. They’re easy to install and are available in a variety of models. Furnaces can run on electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating oil. Natural gas is generally the cheapest type of fuel, while electricity is the most expensive.
If your existing furnace is over 20 years old, it’s likely time to think about an upgrade. Furnaces that burn heating oil, natural gas, or propane typically last for about 15 to 20 years. Those that use solely electricity can last between 20 and 30 years with proper care and upkeep. If your unit is nearing the end of its usable lifespan, upgrading sooner rather than later is highly recommended. Scheduling a new installation before a complete system failure can make the process less stressful.
Here are the key benefits of a furnace replacement.
- Boost home value
- Increase home comfort
- Lower utility bills
- Enhanced safety
- Reduced breakdown risk
- Better indoor air quality
- Prospective tax incentives
When selecting a new furnace for your home, proper sizing is key. A unit that’s too big will drive up your utility bills and cost more upfront to purchase. On the other hand, a furnace that’s too small can run constantly and not keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Choosing the right size for your furnace starts with understanding key factors that can influence your heating demands. These include things like your home’s total square footage, layout, insulation level, and door placement. Our technicians will do a precise calculation and recommend the best size furnace to meet your home’s comfort needs.
Another factor to consider when picking a new furnace is its efficiency rating. All furnaces have an AFUE efficiency rating, with a higher rating translating to better system efficiency. In general, electric furnaces operate at 100% efficiency. Standard-efficiency furnaces that burn natural gas, heating oil, or propane typically operate between 80% and 89% efficiency.
High-efficiency condensing furnaces operate at between 90% and 98% efficiency. Generally, units offering a higher operating efficiency will make you eligible to receive tax credits and local rebates. For example, ENERGY STAR high-efficiency furnaces can qualify you for a tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.