What should you know about gas furnaces? If you live in the Treasure Valley, you already know how important your home’s heat is during winter. Considering that in the United States, over 60% of homes rely on gas furnaces as their central heating system, it is vital to ensure your furnace is in proper working order.
Gas furnaces are know to provide efficent and cost-effective heat for your home, but what else should you know? Understanding the ins and outs of your furnace can transform your home’s comfort and slash your bills. That is why today the Top Shelf Heating & Cooling team will help you understand what to know about gas furnaces for your home!
Gas Furnaces 101: A Friendly Guide
Think natural gas and gas furnaces are relics of the past? Think again. While electric heat is on the rise, gas furnaces utilize a blower motor to circulate warmth throughout your space, boasting impressive heating output that can tackle even the chilliest days.
Why consider anything else for your heating needs? When was the last time you cuddled up to an electric heater for warmth? Exactly. Below is a quick guide to matching furnace power to your home’s size:
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, measures the heat output of furnaces, including electric furnaces, indicating how much warmth your heating system can provide. It’s essentially the horsepower for achieving your home’s desired temperature efficiently. So, for a cozy 2,000 sq. ft. dwelling aiming for furnace efficiency, you’ll need a furnace wielding 50,000 to 90,000 BTUs.
This precision ensures that every nook and cranny is comfortably heated, transforming your house from a living space to a warm haven. When selecting the size of your heating system, achieving the desired temperature efficiently without compromising furnace efficiency is vital—too small, and you’ll be left in the cold; too large, and you’re not just wasting warmth but also energy.
Selecting the Right Furnace Type
Furnaces come in different types to match everyone’s needs:
- Single-Stage Gas Furnace: Like a simple on/off switch, it’s either entirely on or off. It is ideal for those in milder climates who need straightforward heating.
- Two-Stage Gas Furnaces: These have low and high settings, making them great for places with varying winter temperatures. They’re suitable for people who want more control over their comfort and energy use.
- Modulating Gas Furnaces: The most advanced, adjusting heat in small increments for precise temperature control. Perfect for those who demand the best comfort and efficiency in harsh climates.
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10 Most Common Gas Furnace Terms and Definitions
As you read, it is crucial to understand the “Lingo” your furnace company might use! Here at Top Shelf Heating, we try to ensure Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, and Treasure Valley residents are fully informed!
- BTU (British Thermal Unit): Measures the furnace’s heating capacity.
- AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): Percentage indicating the furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel to heat.
- Heat Exchanger: The component where heat transfer to air occurs.
- Blower Motor: Drives air through the furnace and into the ductwork.
- Thermostat: A device that regulates the home’s temperature.
- Pilot Light: A small flame ignites the gas in older furnaces.
- Flue: The vent through which exhaust gases are expelled outside.
- Condenser Coil (in condensing furnaces): Cools hot gas to condense back into a liquid.
- Ignition System: Initiates the furnace’s heating process.
- Air Filter: Traps dust, pollen, and other particles from the air.
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Why Go Gas? The Perks of Picking a Gas Furnace
Choosing a gas furnace for your home heating comes with a bundle of benefits, making it a standout option versus an electric furnace for many homeowners.
Here’s why going gas could be your best move:
- Natural Gas Efficiency: With high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, gas furnaces convert a greater proportion of fuel into usable heat, ensuring your energy bills stay low.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Natural gas is typically less expensive than electricity, offering significant savings over time.
- Quick Heating: Gas furnaces provide heated air faster than their electric counterparts, warming your home quickly.
- Quiet Operation: Many modern gas furnaces boast quiet operation, ensuring a peaceful home environment.
- Reliability: Gas furnaces are known for their durability and reliability, providing consistent warmth for years.
5 Misconceptions You Need to Know About Gas Furnaces
Despite their energy-efficient nature and affordable initial cost, gas furnaces are often misunderstood. Here are five common misconceptions that deserve to be debunked.
- Heating Capacity Comparison: A common myth suggests that oil furnaces surpass gas furnaces in heating capacity. However, when it comes to what to know about gas furnaces, it’s essential to understand that modern gas units are designed to heat your home efficiently with comparable performance.
- Safety Concerns Overblown: The misconception that gas furnaces pose significant safety risks due to the combustion chamber operation is outdated. With technological advancements, today’s gas furnaces have extensive safety features, making them very secure.
- Maintenance Myths: Contrary to the belief that they require excessive maintenance, gas furnaces are as easy to maintain as electric or oil furnaces, provided they receive regular, primary care.
- Durability Doubts: Some believe gas furnaces have a shorter lifespan than their counterparts. Knowing the facts about gas furnaces includes recognizing their potential for a long, reliable service life with proper maintenance.
- Complex Installation Fears: The assumption that installing a gas furnace is more complicated and troublesome than installing other types of heating systems is unfounded. Professional installers can ensure a smooth and efficient installation process for gas furnaces, just like oil or electric models.
Setting Up Your Gas Furnace: What to Know Before You Glow
Setting up your gas furnace requires more than just picking a model and flipping a switch. Considering professional installation is crucial to ensure your home glows with warmth safely and efficiently. It would be best if you never tried to install a heating system or gas furnace yourself; always leave that to the experts.
Here are things you need to know before the heat kicks in and you install new gas furnace:
- Choose the Right Model: Understand the key features of gas furnaces compared to electric furnaces to select the best option for your home.
- Ventilation Is Vital: Proper venting is essential to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Understand the Controls: Familiarize yourself with the furnace’s operation to maximize efficiency.
- Size of the Furnace: Matching the furnace size to your home’s square footage is crucial for efficiency.
- Region & Climate: Your local climate affects the heating capacity needed.
- Source of Fuel: Ensure compatibility with your home’s fuel source, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Air Filters: Regularly change air filters to maintain air quality and efficiency.
These considerations, alongside professional guidance, guarantee a well-tuned, energy-efficient heating system.
The Price Tag: Investing in Warmth
The price of gas furnaces varies widely, depending on their efficiency and features:
- Standard-efficiency units typically offer 80-90% AFUE, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
- Moderate-efficiency units, with 90-95% AFUE ratings, might cost between $3,000 to $5,000.
- High-efficiency units push the envelope with 95%+ AFUE, and prices can soar from $5,000 to $8,000.
Furnace Efficiency
The furnace efficiency categorizes gas furnaces into three groups based on their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings: standard, moderate, and high-efficiency units. This classification helps homeowners understand the potential energy savings and upfront cost associated with each efficiency level, guiding them in making an informed investment.
- Standard-efficiency units: 80-90% AFUE; Approx. Price: $2,000 – $4,000
- Moderate-efficiency units: 90-95% AFUE; Approx. Price: $3,000 – $5,000
- High-efficiency units: 95%+ AFUE; Approx. Price: $5,000 – $8,000
The initial price tag reflects not only the unit’s ability to convert gas into heat efficiently but also long-term savings on energy bills. It’s crucial to balance upfront costs with potential energy savings and manufacturer rebates to make the most financially sound decision for your home heating needs.
The Verdict –
Your home’s furnace is designed to perform and last when you put a high value on regular maintenance. The last thing you want to occur in a harsh Boise winter is a heating issue. That is why at Top Shelf Heating, we recommend the following tips for your home’s gas furnace:
- Have it serviced every fall before using your heat system.
- Change your air filters regularly and have your ductwork cleaned every few years.
- If you notice an issue, reach out fast – don’t wait around!
We provide 24/7 emergency heating service to the greater Boise Metropliatian area including Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Garden City, and more. Simply reach out below or tap to text/call Top Shelf Heating & Cooling!
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