Planning ahead for the worst-case scenario is often the safest bet. It’s the middle of February and the last thing you want is for your furnace to give out on you. But what if it did? Would you know how to go about choosing a new furnace?

When you are looking into buying a new furnace, ultimately you are looking for a machine that will keep your home warm and comfortable. You want something that is efficient, reliable and quiet. You probably also want a machine that is low maintenance and has a long lifespan. Ideally, all of this will be available for a reasonable price. But what specifically should you be looking for?

1. Size

Choosing a new furnace that is the correct size for your home is extremely important. If the furnace is too small, it won’t keep the home warm enough. A furnace that’s too big is going to cost more than a properly fitted appliance. Besides the extra cost, a furnace that is too big usually means the machine will kick on and off too often meaning more wear and tear, ever-varying temperatures, and even more unnecessary costs in utilities.

When choosing a new furnace consider the size of your home, the design, the construction and the climate to determine your heating need. All of these variables can be put in an equation to find the load calculation. Even if you are replacing an existing furnace, it is important to do a new load calculation. You want to be certain that the load calculation is done properly. That is why it is also important to choose contractor that you can trust to determine the heating needs of your home.

2. Efficiency

Choosing an energy-efficient furnace can mean avoiding lost or wasted heat.  The amount of fuel in the furnace that is converted to heat is called the annual fuel utilization efficiency number, or AFUE.

In the long run, it is usually a better value to buy a furnace with a high AFUE and a higher price tag, but lower monthly costs. However, that’s not always the case.

Take some time to consider how much you will be saving with an energy-efficient furnace. It’s also important to factor in how long you will live in your home, your climate, and if there are rebates for a high-efficiency furnace.

3. Choose a Professional You Trust

While there are many things you, as a home owner, can consider when it comes to choosing a new furnace, it is important to choose a profession that you trust. Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to help you with your furnace needs. The experienced professionals at Complete Comfort know how to select a furnace that is the perfect size for your home. Complete Comfort Heating & AC will help you get a furnace that is powerful and efficient while minimizing operation and maintenance costs. There is nothing to lose with a complementary consultation!

Other things to consider

Even with a brand new furnace, there are still other factors that can help or hurt you when it comes to efficiency and keeping your costs low. Make sure your air ducts are properly maintained, you have proper insulation, and the weather-stripping around doors and windows is up to the task of keeping your heated air inside. And remember, programmable thermostats can save you a lot of money on your monthly bills!

Do you know how to change your HVAC filter? It’s incredibly easy, and a task you can certainly do yourself.

How often it’s changed depends on your HVAC system, how many people live in your home and how much dust you create. Aim for at least one change every quarter, but some homes require a filter change once per month. If you don’t change the filter regularly, airborne particles can enter the system and clog up the works.

It will take a long time for a clogged air filter to cause serious damage, but every little bit hurts. Before a major malfunction hits, you can experience a pressure drop which minimizes airflow in the home. Eventually, you’ll have no filtering or airflow at all.

All the while, your HVAC system is working overtime trying to do its job, but it’s unable. This puts unnecessary stress on the system, resulting in total failure. However, it’s not just your HVAC system that will be traumatized.

Filtering for Health

The less filtered your air is (and indoor air is already less clean than most outside air), the more stress on your body and lungs. Some people may not even notice. If this is you, you’re lucky.

For others, it can be a nightmare. Someone who’s allergic to pet dander or other such particles can suffer greatly when these filters are clogged. Those with asthma are at an even higher risk.

No matter what type of HVAC system you have, there’s a filter to keep your air clean. Go without cleaning or changing it, and it also may get damp and grow mold. If black mold starts growing and compromises the system, it can be deadly.

The vast majority of filters are affordable, disposable and made of biodegradable materials. You can find multipacks that fit a variety of HVAC systems, but it’s important to know that the filter was designed to fit your unit. A poor-fitting filter can be just as useless as no filter.

Making the Change

It’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all answer to how to change a filter, since systems vary. However, it should be self-explanatory and easy. If you’re still uncertain, ask your HVAC technician for a demonstration the next time he or she comes for a routine inspection.

Schedule a reminder to check your filter monthly. You may need to change it every month if you have pets, run your system over six months per year, have a big family or smoke indoors.

If you have a fireplace or live on a farm or near construction, more regular swaps also might be necessary. To get expert advice on how and when to change your HVAC filter, contact Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning.