5 Questions to Ask When You Are Buying a New Furnace

Shopping for a new furnace might not be the most exciting part of homeownership, but it becomes one of the most important decisions you’ll make when the cold months roll in.

Whether you are upgrading an ancient beast that’s been clunking along for years or moving into a new Colorado home that needs more effective warmth, choosing the right furnace is key to your comfort (and your wallet). 

With so many options out there—gas, electric, oil, high-efficiency—it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t sweat it! Before you dive headfirst into furnace shopping, be prepared with the right questions to ask your heating professional. After all, this isn’t just any appliance—it’s the heart of your home’s heating system. 

Not sure what to ask? Bryant Colorado has you covered with these five essential questions that will help ensure you are getting the best furnace for your needs.

Questions to Ask When Buying a New Furnace

Buying a new furnace is a significant investment for any homeowner. It is a decision that impacts your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and monthly utility bills. 

To make the process easier, ask away when talking to your Bryant Colorado authorized dealer to help guide your decision when furnace shopping.

What Type of Furnace is Best for My Home?

The first thing you need to determine is which type of furnace is best suited for your Colorado home. Based on the fuel they use, there are three main types of furnaces: gas, electric, and oil. Each has its own set of benefits and limitations.

1. Gas Furnace: This is the most popular option in many areas around Colorado, especially in places where natural gas is readily available. Gas furnaces are more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long term, especially over Colorado winters.
   
   However, they require a natural gas hookup, and installation can be more expensive if you don’t already have one.
   
2. Electric Furnace: Electric furnaces are generally less expensive to purchase upfront but can be more expensive to operate because electricity costs are often more expensive than the cost of natural gas.
   
   They’re best suited for milder winters, like in the valleys of west central or southwestern Colorado, where heating demand can be lower compared to the mountainous regions. Additionally, electric furnaces are easier to maintain and install since they don’t require a gas line.
   
3. Oil Furnace: Oil furnaces are less common but still used in some regions where natural gas isn’t available. They tend to be more expensive to run due to the cost of oil, but they can provide a high heat output, making them suitable for colder climates like in Northern Colorado.
   
   However, oil furnaces require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the burner and ensuring oil storage.

Before you choose a furnace, consider your localized Coloradan climate, fuel availability, and what your home is currently equipped with. Consulting a heating professional within the Bryant Colorado network can also help guide you toward the best option.

What Size Furnace Do I Need?

Furnace size is another crucial factor in making the right choice. When we talk about furnace size, we’re not referring to its physical dimensions but rather its heating capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). 

Getting the right size furnace is critical because one that is too small won’t adequately heat your home. At the same time, one that is too large will cycle on and off too frequently, leading to inefficient operation and unnecessary wear and tear. 

To determine the proper size, you will need to take into account several factors, including:

• The size and layout of your home.
• Your local climate.
• The level of insulation in your home.
• The number and type of windows.
• Your home’s air sealing and overall energy efficiency.

Generally, you can expect to need around 30 BTUs per square foot to account for the factors above. If you have a 2,000 square foot home, you should look at furnaces with a 60,000 BTU output or higher. 

A Bryant Colorado HVAC professional will perform a load calculation that considers your home’s specific factors, ensuring the furnace they recommend perfectly meets your home’s heating requirements.

What Is the Furnace’s Energy Efficiency Rating?

Energy efficiency is a major consideration when buying a new furnace. The more efficient the furnace, the less energy it will use to heat your home, which translates to lower utility bills. 

Furnace efficiency is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which measures the percentage of fuel converted into heat for your home.

• Standard-efficiency furnaces typically have an AFUE rating of 80-85 percent. 
• High-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90 percent or higher, and some can even reach 98 percent.

A furnace with a 90 percent AFUE rating means that 90 percent of the fuel used is converted into heat, while the remaining 10 percent is lost as exhaust.

While high-efficiency furnaces tend to have a higher upfront cost, they often pay for themselves in the long run through reduced energy consumption.

What Are the Maintenance Requirements?

Understanding the maintenance requirements of your new furnace is essential to ensure it runs efficiently for its entire lifespan. Some furnaces require more upkeep than others, so be sure to ask about what is needed to keep your furnace in good working condition and whether your local Bryant Colorado authorized dealer offers maintenance plans.

• Gas furnaces: Need to have their burners cleaned regularly and gas lines checked for leaks.

• Electric furnaces: These require less maintenance but should still be inspected annually to check electrical components.

• Oil furnaces: Require more frequent maintenance, including changing oil filters and cleaning burners.

Annual maintenance is recommended for all types of furnaces to ensure safe and efficient operation. When purchasing a new furnace, you should also ask about any warranties and what maintenance practices are required to keep those warranties valid.

What’s the Total Cost (Including Installation)?

The total cost of a furnace includes more than just the unit itself. You’ll need to account for installation, potential modifications to your ductwork, and any additional equipment like thermostats or zoning systems. 

When budgeting for a new furnace, ask your contractor for a full breakdown of costs, including:

• The cost of the furnace.
• Installation labor costs.
• Any necessary permits.
• Removal and disposal of your old furnace.
• Any additional costs for upgrading or modifying existing ductwork.
• The cost of converting to a new fuel source.
• The cost of a new thermostat or control system (if needed).

It’s also a good idea to ask about financing options, as many HVAC companies within the Bryant Colorado network of authorized dealers offer plans to help spread the cost over time. 

Additionally, inquire about any rebates, specials, or tax credits available for installing an energy-efficient furnace. These incentives can significantly counter your upfront costs.

Find a Bryant Colorado Dealer

Buying a new furnace is a major investment, and the right choice can make a huge difference in your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and overall cost of ownership.

Asking these five key questions—what type of furnace you need, what size is right, the energy efficiency rating, maintenance requirements, and the total cost—can help you make an informed decision that will benefit your home for years to come. 

Consulting with a knowledgeable HVAC professional can further ensure you choose a furnace that best meets your needs. That’s why you should Find A Dealer around Colorado, so you can have the expertise of a Bryant Colorado authorized dealer.