| Many of us take our furnaces for granted. Sure, | | | | Remember that a large unit is not necessarily |
| we provide the regular maintenance like changing | | | | better than a smaller unit, depending on the size |
| the air filter or having an HVAC service technician | | | | of your home. If you choose a HVAC system |
| perform annual inspections. But we never really | | | | that is larger that what your home requires, you |
| think about having to buy and install a new one. | | | | will be spending more money in utility bills due to |
| If your old furnace is on it's last leg, it's time to | | | | the fact that the unit will have to be cycling on |
| start thinking about investing in a new, energy | | | | and off more often to heat your home properly. |
| efficient model. Think about the energy efficiency | | | | A good way to figure out the size of the furnace |
| that you would like to have in your home. Also | | | | you need is to compare the square footage of |
| consider the size of the furnace you will need to | | | | your home and the insulation of your walls and |
| heat your home adequately. In order to get the | | | | windows to the heating power of the furnace. An |
| best HVAC system for your money, you need to | | | | experienced HVAC service contractor can advise |
| research the various brands and efficiency ratings | | | | you on the correct size furnace unit for your |
| of the many systems available. | | | | needs. |
| Furnaces with a high efficiency rating may cost | | | | If your current furnace can get through the |
| more money up front when compared to | | | | winter, a great time to buy a new HVAC system |
| systems with a lower energy efficiency rating. | | | | is in the springtime. Furnaces tend to go on sale |
| However, the cost of operation throughout the | | | | after the winter months when people aren't |
| life of the unit will significantly reduce your energy | | | | necessarily thinking about heating their home any |
| costs because less fuel is needed to produce the | | | | more. In states with similar climates to Maryland, |
| same amount of warmth. Using less fuel is also | | | | where winter is typically over in March or April, |
| good for the environment, so you can lower your | | | | you may find good deals on HVAC systems |
| heating costs while limiting your carbon footprint. | | | | during the spring. Unfortunately, many people may |
| Make sure you compare efficiency ratings when | | | | have to purchase a furnace in the dead of winter |
| deciding on a new furnace. A certain brand may | | | | when they need heat the most. |
| cost less than another brand, but do they have a | | | | Be certain to have an experience HVAC |
| similar efficiency rating? How do they compare in | | | | contractor to install your new furnace and |
| size? Another factor to take into account is | | | | perform routine inspections and maintenance |
| whether the manufacturer offers a rebate. A | | | | every year. They can spot potential problems |
| sizeable rebate may entice you to purchase a | | | | before they happen to let you know in advance |
| better system. | | | | when it's time to shop for a new one. |