Heating Equipment
The average gas furnace will warm your home for around 20 years, so it's important to choose one that provides the efficiency and home comfort you need. Here are some tips for choosing a gas or oil furnace:
Buy the highest AFUE you can afford. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and is a measurement of the efficiency of your furnace. An 80% AFUE furnace converts 80% of the fuel into heat; the other 20% is lost up the chimney. Most furnaces installed in the past 15 years are around 65% to 70% AFUE. Today's minimum standards vary depending on where you live. In Canada, for instance, 90% AFUE is the minimum. Most rebate and tax credit incentives are tied to heating efficiencies above 95% AFUE. It's important to ask your local Frigidaire dealer about the standards in your region, and what state, federal, and local utility incentives are available for purchasing higher efficiency furnaces.
Consider comfort. Today's furnaces can provide more home comfort than those from 10-15 years ago. Many of the high-end furnaces contain extra features that will make your home more enjoyable. Look for two-stage and variable-speed models that run at different output (capacity) levels to reduce noise and provide a better mix of air throughout the home (reducing hot or cold spots). Some extremely efficient furnaces, like the 97% AFUE Frigidaire iQ Drive gas furnace, are modulating, which means they can vary the output level to provide the quietest and most comfortable indoor temperatures.
Turn on the fan. Your new furnace may have a "fan on" setting on the thermostat. If so, consider running this fan throughout the summer and winter. It will continue to move air throughout the home even with the system is off. It's a great way to even out temperatures on multi-level homes and reduce stagnant air. For even better air control, ask your Frigidaire dealer about zoning.
Invest in the install. With a new heating and cooling system, the installation is critical to performance. Make sure you hire a licensed contractor who is going to address your ductwork and other home needs in addition to replacing equipment. A quality installation will cost more upfront, but it will save you in service and headaches down the road.
