Are you wondering whether it’s time to replace your furnace? Generally, you’ll want to replace your furnace if it’s more than three-quarters over its life expectancy or if the repairs would cost more than a third of a replacement.
The good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from in the Shalimar area that will prevent you from having to call a heating repair expert. Learn about the different furnace options out there and how to choose the best one for you.
Natural Gas
Newer gas furnaces are far more economical than their older counterparts. Depending on the brand and type, new natural gas furnaces can reach an AFUE rating of 98% efficiency.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the measurement of how well a gas furnace turns fuel into energy. Essentially, a furnace with a 90% AFUE rating means it can turn 90% of consumed energy into heat.
Furnaces with an efficiency rating of 90% or higher are considered high-efficiency. The minimum standard for new furnaces is 78%.
Oil
Oil furnaces aren’t as common as natural gas furnaces in Shalimar, and they’re slightly less efficient. However, this type of furnace costs less to purchase.
Oil furnaces are more popular in areas where residents don’t have easy access to natural gas, such as the northeast United States. Many companies now offer heating oil mixed with biodiesel, which helps reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Electric
Electric furnaces are quite affordable. In fact, sometimes it only costs half of the price of a gas furnace. Other benefits of an electric furnace are that they cost less to install, and they usually last longer than a gas furnace.
However, electricity costs more than gas, so choosing an electric furnace can result in higher energy bills. Still, when it comes to furnace options, electric is second only to gas furnaces.
Propane
If gas or oil isn’t an option for your Shalimar home, you could use a propane furnace. Propane is a carbon-based byproduct of gas and oil production. Propane is shipped and stored in pressurized containers.
The most common propane type for residential use in the U.S. is HD-5, a type of liquefied propane gas.
Furnace Alternatives
Heat pumps, while not a furnace, can also heat your house. This furnace alternative works best in areas with mild winters, and you might see them more in newer homes.
Heat pumps are actually more energy-efficient than traditional furnaces, and they don’t even need fuel to work. They work by pushing hot air between the inside and outside of the home.
You can learn more about the differences between furnaces and heat pumps in our guide.
Furnace Options and Solutions for All Your Needs in Shalimar
We hope this post helped outline your furnace options so you can choose the best type for your Shalimar area home.
If you have any questions about heating or furnace repair services, furnace installation, or if you just need a professional opinion, let Murphy’s Home Services help you out.
We keep the Northwest Florida area comfortable all year long. Contact us today to set up an appointment and get a free estimate.
