During the winter, an efficient furnace is essential for keeping your home warm and comfy. The question is, how do you choose the best furnace? Using this 6-step guide, you can buy a new furnace online or replace your old one. First, let’s dig up a little more about how the furnace works, so we know what you need. We offer the best heating service in Sacramento, CA to your doorstep.

Understanding The Furnace

A furnace is meant to heat the air in your home using various types of fuel. It distributes heated air via grills or air registers by blowing hot air through ducts. Furnaces, also known as forced warm-air distribution systems or ducted warm-air distribution systems, heat a residence using one of the following sources – 

  • Electricity
  • Fuel oil
  • Natural gas

Steps For Selecting the Best Furnace for Your Home

Consider the following six factors while purchasing for a furnace – 

Climate

Some furnace models perform better than others, depending on your location. Choose an ENERGY STAR-certified furnace for maximum efficiency and savings – 

  • Mild Climates

    The majority of the United States South, Southeast, and Southwest areas rarely encounter cold temperatures. To that purpose, furnaces in milder climates bear the ENERGY STAR label “U.S. South.” Unlike standard furnaces, gas stoves are designed to withstand gentler climates. Heat pumps are another excellent alternative in a climate like this because they are energy-efficient and perform best when temperatures never dip below 40 degrees.

  • Cold & Freezing Climates

    During the winter, the rest of the United States requires additional heating power. As a result, furnace efficiency criteria will be tighter in certain areas. Look for an ENERGY STAR label on furnaces with an AFUE rating of 90 or greater to save money on your heating cost.

Types of Furnace

The most common type is a gas furnace, which comes in three varieties – 

  • Single-Stage Gas Furnaces

    A basic single-stage gas furnace has an opening and closing gas valve. The gas flows at a single rate: fast. Single-stage gas furnaces have an AFUE of roughly 80% and are best suited for milder areas.

  • Two-Stage Gas Furnaces

    For greater efficiency, a two-stage gas furnace may change the flow of gas from low to high. The thermostat in a home talks with the furnace to regulate temperature. We provide one of the best furnace repair in Sacramento, CA at an affordable price.

  • Modulating Gas Furnaces

    Of all the gas furnace kinds, this one adjusts heat the most precisely. It is ideal for chilly locations to adjust indoor temperatures and spread warmth evenly efficiently.

Electric and Oil Furnaces Are Also Available.

  • Electric Furnaces

    While not as cost-effective as gas furnaces, electric furnaces are nevertheless widely used. They warm the air by passing it over electric coils and dispersing it around your home.

  • Oil Furnaces

    Homes without access to alternative sources of fuel should opt for oil furnaces.

Source of Energy

Because it is frequently available and usually the least expensive, gas is the most preferred fuel source. Gas furnaces are typically less expensive to purchase and install, and they are less dirty than oil furnaces.

The next best alternative if natural gas is not available is oil. While electric furnaces are relatively inexpensive to buy and install, they are unsuitable for large houses and consume the most electricity to maintain.

Consult Consumer Reports or the Better Business Bureau to learn how customers handle furnace problems. Be sure to check the HVAC contractor’s ratings, as well. For the best HVAC in Sacramento, CA get in touch with Sun Air Heating, Cooling, & Electrical.