When it’s time to invest in a new furnace for your home, it’s important to know what features are the most significant in a new unit. In some cases, finding the most affordable option takes precedence. If you’ve been spending too much on utility bills because of your old, outdated furnace, energy efficiency may be the most attractive feature in a new furnace. No matter what brand or price range you are researching, your best resource for a thorough understanding of the latest and greatest equipment for your home is to contact Viviano Heating and Air. Below, we also offer some tips to follow when shopping for a new furnace.

Think local. You may find a deal on a new brand of furnace that you’ve never heard of, and it may sound too good to be true! Well, keep in mind that purchasing equipment that no one in your area can service is never a good idea. If your HVAC contractor that bid on your job is from a company two states away, check-ups, service calls, installation and more will end up being more costly overall, especially if it’s an “off-brand” piece of equipment. Improper or insufficient maintenance can really cost you more money in the long run.

Buy quality. When buying a new furnace or HVAC system, it makes sense to buy a trusted brand. Smart shoppers don’t always look for the best bargain, because dependable, well-known brands often come with a better warranty, guaranteeing your investment over the long term and saving you money. Furnaces typically come with a 20-year warranty and the bigger brands usually offer training to assist HVAC professionals in service, repair and more. It’s true: you get what you pay for.

Energy Efficiency is key. Everything from furnaces to microwaves consume energy in the home. Check the furnace’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating which will help you determine how much energy is being used when shopping around. A higher AFUE means greater energy efficiency. Want lower monthly bills? Think about investing in a higher efficiency furnace, 90% AFUE and above. Purchasing a system with good value means one with a high-efficiency rating and updated features…and that doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be THE top-of-the-line product, either.

Other features in a furnace, like sound level, are also rated. The higher the number, the louder the unit will be. Keep that in mind if you have limited space with strict noise levels or need a more quiet nominal sound level for your office, for example. It’s also important to select a new furnace based on your home’s size. Don’t invest in an oversized system if you don’t need one! Too much heating capacity will end up making your system less efficient, cycling on and off more often and causing excess wear and tear.

At Viviano, we’ve been putting our customer’s comfort at the forefront since 1989, serving homeowners and businesses in the Metro-East for over 30 years with quality products and services. If it’s time to invest in a new furnace for your home or business, it may be time to contact us for more information.  You can also find us online at VivianoAir.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.