Choosing a new furnace is a major investment in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and long-term energy costs. With so many options available, homeowners often feel overwhelmed by the decision. At Quality Heating & Cooling, we believe the best way to make an informed choice about investing in a new HVAC system is by asking the right questions. Below, we outline some key considerations to help you select the perfect furnace for your home. Right now, take $500 off the installation of a new furnace. 

1. What Is the Furnace’s AFUE Rating?

One of the first things to consider when purchasing a new furnace is its AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. AFUE measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. The higher the rating, the more heat you get for every dollar spent on energy. For example:

• Standard-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE of around 80%, meaning 20% of the fuel is lost as waste.
• High-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE of 90% or higher, with some models reaching up to 98% efficiency.

Investing in a high-efficiency furnace can significantly lower your heating bills while also reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Look for models that carry the ENERGY STAR® certification, as these meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.

2. What Fuel Type Is Best for My Home?

The type of fuel your furnace uses will impact your heating costs, efficiency, and environmental impact. The most popular option for home heating, natural gas furnaces are efficient and cost-effective in areas with access to gas lines. And while they have 100% efficiency (technically, an AFUE rating of 100%), electric furnaces can be costly to operate in colder climates where electricity rates are high.

3. What Advanced Features Should I Consider?

Modern furnaces come with advanced technology that can enhance comfort and efficiency. Some features to look for include:

• Variable-Speed Blowers – Unlike single-speed motors that operate at full blast, variable-speed blowers adjust airflow for better temperature control and energy efficiency.
• Zoned Heating – If you have multiple floors or large spaces, a zoned heating system allows you to control different areas separately, preventing hot or cold spots.
• Quiet Operation – Newer models offer sound-dampening technology for quieter performance, which is ideal if your furnace is located near living spaces.

These features not only improve comfort but can also lead to additional energy savings over time.

Oil-to-Gas Conversion and Dual-Fuel Systems

Switching to a gas furnace is a smart move if you have a furnace that runs on oil. Gas furnaces are more efficient, produce fewer emissions, and require less maintenance than oil systems. Many utility companies even offer rebates for homeowners making the switch, further offsetting the installation cost.

A dual-fuel system combines a gas furnace with an electric heat pump, automatically switching between the two based on outdoor temperatures. These systems optimize efficiency, providing cost savings while maintaining indoor comfort in all weather conditions.

Choosing the right furnace involves more than just picking the first option that fits your budget. By considering factors like AFUE ratings, fuel type, advanced features, and long-term energy costs, you can make an informed decision that will keep your home warm and your heating bills low.

Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for furnace installation. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal.

The post Questions to Ask When Choosing a New Furnace first appeared on Quality Heating & Cooling.

A new furnace isn’t a traditional holiday gift, but when you think about it, there’s no better gift for the whole family than a warm and cozy home for the holidays–and for many years to come!

If your existing furnace is old, outdated, expensive, not keeping your home warm enough, or even worse–a potential safety hazard–perhaps it’s time to consider furnace installation. Let’s go over some features to keep in mind when shopping for a new furnace.

Fuel Type

Depending on what fuel sources are available where you live, you’ll need to choose between a gas or electric furnace if your home has a gas line. Today’s gas furnaces are tried-and-true methods of heating a home with built-in safety features to ensure its safe operation. They also heat up a home faster than an electric furnace.

If you don’t have access to natural gas or have some concerns about gas appliances, electric furnaces are another great option. Modern electric furnaces are energy efficient and have extra features for those who are looking to boost efficiency. 

AFUE Ratings

To measure a furnace’s efficiency, both gas and electric furnaces have an AFUE rating. This rating describes how much fuel the furnace uses to produce heat. An electric furnace naturally has an AFUE rating of 100%. However, electricity is usually more expensive than gas which is why an electric furnace generally costs more to run compared to a gas furnace

Gas furnaces must have a minimum AFUE rating of 80%. A rating of 80% means it utilizes at least 80% of the fuel it consumes to produce heat. Some gas furnaces are capable of maintaining AFUE ratings of higher than 96%!

With our cold, long winters here in Goshen, NY, it pays to upgrade to a more energy-efficient gas furnace. Although the initial purchase price will be higher, you’ll enjoy much lower utility bills for the 10-15 years that you own the system.

Operating Speeds

Variable-speed furnaces can make a huge difference in your energy use. Options include:

• Single-stage furnaces are the most basic type with a single-stage (single-speed) motor. They operate at 100% capacity when they’re running.
• Two-stage furnaces have three settings, Off, Low, and High. They can automatically adjust their settings and shift to High when the thermostat target isn’t reached within a certain amount of time. 
• Variable-speed furnaces operate the blower motor at multiple speeds in response to the fluctuating temperatures in your home. These increments can be quite small to maximize efficiency. 

Choose a Professional for Installation

No matter what type of furnace you choose, go with a professional when it comes to installation. A poorly installed furnace could leave your home in the cold, not to mention the possible safety problems. Furnace installation requires an experienced team and when you choose us, you can rest assured that our EPA-certified technicians are on the job.

Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for furnace service in Goshen, NY. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal. 

The post Furnace Installation for the Holidays: What to Look For first appeared on Quality Heating & Cooling.