So your older furnace or boiler is showing no signs of life. It’s tough to know where to go from here, but our technicians would like to help. Today, we offer some advice on choosing a new furnace, boiler, heat pump, or dual fuel system for whole-home comfort.
But call your local experts, like those at Johansen & Anderson Inc, for more information about all of your options, and to make the best selection for your particular needs!
Choose the Right Type of Heating System
First, you should know what type of system you are replacing (boiler, furnace, heat pump, or dual fuel system). Typically, you’ll want the same general type, although an upgrade may be in order.
For example, you might want to upgrade to a condensing boiler, which is more efficient than others on the market. Or you might want a dual fuel system that switches between heat pump and furnace if all you had in the past was a standalone furnace.
Then you can figure out details, such as the type of ventilation system you need. Your local technician is the best person to offer this advice.
Consider Heating System Size and Energy Efficiency
It is of utmost importance that you find a furnace or boiler that is the right size for your home. An oversized furnace can short cycle, running in short bursts that use up energy and wear down the parts quickly, and an undersized furnace just won’t do the trick.
Find the heater that is the right size for your home, and then check efficiency ratings. The AFUE gives you a good indication of heating efficiency. 85% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) is ideal, but some can reach over 95 AFUE—even better!
Consult a Local HVAC Technician Before Installation
Only local heating and air conditioning technicians can help you with this process if you want to make sure you get what’s best for the space in your home. They can size your home, taking into account factors like furnace location and the type of insulation you have, and follow through with the complete installation process!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I choose the right heating system for my home?
Answer: Start by identifying the type of system you are replacing, such as a furnace, boiler, heat pump, or dual fuel system. In many cases, replacing it with the same general type is practical, but upgrading may improve efficiency or comfort. A local HVAC technician can help evaluate your options.
Question: Why is proper heating system size important?
Answer: Proper sizing helps your heating system operate efficiently and comfortably. An oversized furnace may short cycle, running in brief bursts that waste energy and increase wear. An undersized system may struggle to heat your home adequately. Professional sizing considers factors such as home layout, insulation, and equipment location.
Question: What does AFUE mean when choosing a furnace or boiler?
Answer: AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and indicates how efficiently a furnace or boiler converts fuel into usable heat. A higher AFUE rating generally means better heating efficiency. Comparing AFUE ratings can help homeowners understand how different systems may perform and use energy over the heating season.
Question: Should I replace my old furnace with the same type of heating system?
Answer: Replacing an old furnace with a similar system can be a straightforward option, but it is not your only choice. Depending on your home and comfort goals, you might consider a higher-efficiency furnace, condensing boiler, heat pump, or dual fuel system. Professional guidance can clarify which options fit your property.
Question: Why should an HVAC professional help select a new heating system?
Answer: An HVAC professional can assess factors that affect heating performance, including your home’s size, insulation, system location, and existing equipment. This information helps determine the appropriate system type and capacity. Professional installation also helps ensure the new equipment is set up correctly for reliable and efficient operation.
Call Johansen & Anderson Inc for your heating system installation in Joliet, IL!