| When it comes to heating your home in the | | | | are thinking about replacing your old one, there |
| winter, you want to use the most energy | | | | are certain maintenance issues that you will want |
| efficient option available to you. While there are a | | | | to address regularly. For example, if the unit |
| large percentage of homes that use a Forced Air | | | | comes with a permanent filter, you will want to |
| Furnace to heat their homes, if it was made | | | | check it regularly and ensure that it stays clean. If |
| before 1992 it is probably a low efficient model. | | | | it is dirty, follow the manufacturers instructions |
| That is because the Annual Fuel Utilization | | | | for cleaning it or hire someone to do it for you. |
| Efficiency (AFUE) ratings were not assigned until | | | | For throw away filters, you will want to check the |
| 1992 and before then forced air furnaces were | | | | filter every month to ensure that it is clean. |
| not regulated. However, modern forced air | | | | Replacing this filter is easy and inexpensive as well. |
| furnaces must meet a AFUE rating of 78% or | | | | You will also want to have the heat exchange |
| higher in order for them to be sold. Higher rated | | | | surface and blower blades checked annually, |
| units are considered to be high efficiency models | | | | preferably before you will need to heat your |
| and can save you up to 30% of your heating | | | | home and clean these areas. This is not a |
| costs each year. | | | | complex process, however if you are not |
| If you have a Forced Air Furnace made prior to | | | | comfortable, then you should hire a professional |
| 1992, then you will want to consider upgrading | | | | to do it for you. |
| your unit. The costs of these units vary, but the | | | | Heating your home with a forced air furnace will |
| average cost is $1,700 to $3,500 depending on | | | | bring you a great deal of comfort as long as it is |
| the size of your home and the efficiency of the | | | | working at full capacity. You should ensure that |
| unit. Many units qualify for the energy efficiency | | | | your Forced Air Furnace meets all of your states |
| tax credit, which pays 30% of the costs of | | | | energy regulations and keep up the necessary |
| purchasing a new unit and the installation, up to | | | | maintenance to ensure that you are getting the |
| $1,500. | | | | most energy and cost efficient heat for your |
| If you don't have a Forced Air Furnace or you | | | | home. |