A good quality furnace will last for a long time, providing much-needed heat energy to keep the property livable even during the winter months. But even top-quality furnaces do not last forever. Older model furnaces tend to be less fuel-efficient than modern products, and wear and tear over time can further reduce that efficiency. To put it simply, if you want a fuel-efficient furnace, you need to make sure you are working with an up-to-date product.

But how do you go about choosing a furnace? And how do you make sure you are choosing a high-efficiency furnace that will last for many years to come? There are several points to bear in mind as you select a product that is going to meet your needs in the long term.

What to Consider When Choosing a Furnace

Fuel Type

Different furnaces are designed to work with different types of fuel. One type of furnace that works with natural gas as heating fuel may not be compatible if you are using oil to heat your home. Bear in mind that changing the fuel type of your home heating system may require a significant investment in time, money and effort. However, you may save money in the long run — it tends to be significantly more expensive and environmentally damaging to heat your home with oil than with natural gas.

Climate Conditions

While Southern Ontario will experience average lows of around -8 celsius each winter, other areas of the province can receive far lower temperatures, and for far longer. If you live in a part of Canada prone to long periods of extremely cold weather, you will need a furnace with a high BTU — British thermal unit — output level to keep you warm.

Size of Your Home

Larger homes require a larger furnace to keep the space warm. Make sure you choose a furnace that is rated to provide heat for the size of your home.

Fuel Efficiency Levels

Furnaces are rated according to AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This is expressed as a percentage. So, if your furnace is rated as 75% AFUE, this means three-quarters of the fuel energy is providing heat to your home, while the remaining quarter of the energy is wasted. High-efficiency furnaces generally provide at least 90% AFUE.

Product Guarantees

Look for product guarantees and warranties, which provide replacement units or refunds if there is a problem with your furnace within a set time limit. This will ensure you have peace of mind as you make your choice.

Need help selecting the right furnace?

Selecting the right furnace for your residential or commercial property requires careful consideration. There are many factors and options you need to evaluate. At Aire One, we’ve been helping Barrie residents and businesses with all of their furnace needs for over 30 years. From sales and installation to maintenance and repairs, we can help you select the right furnace and keep it running optimally for years to come. Request a job estimate now to have a licensed Aire One furnace technician help you find the right furnace of your home.