Things to Know About Gas Furnaces

With the different types of furnaces available today, choosing which to purchase can be a daunting task. One of the most popular types of furnace these days is the gas furnace. Highly regarded for the low cost of operation and efficiency, manufacturers have churned out quite a number of gas furnaces models boasting one feature to another. But don't take their word for it; investigate before buying.

Natural gas, one of the cheapest fuels, is used to fire up most of the gas furnace in the market. That's one good reason why people opt to purchase this type of equipment. Furnaces live up to more than 20 years of service; imagine the accumulated expenses you'll incur in operating a gas furnace compared to an electric type, for example.

All furnaces require a certain level of maintenance. Some will require a monthly clean up of filters, etc. A gas furnace may require such regular care, but it may not require such a big attention that an oil furnace requires. Oil furnaces accumulate soot, which blocks filters and other passages and thus require an intensive annual maintenance.

Of course, to keep the equipment in tip-top shape, gas furnaces also require special attention. Aside from cleaning the filters, the motor must be cleaned and oiled. You will also need to have a qualified service technician to check on pipe leaks, circuit boards, ventilation systems, et al. Failure to provide the proper maintenance to your system may result in unforeseen problems, including the shortening of its lifespan.

Modern furnaces are compliant to the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating set by DOE. This rating system ensures that all equipment in the market is at least a 78% rating. The rating measures how efficient a furnace is in converting fuel to heat; the higher the rating, the more fuel-efficient the equipment. It's good to take note of this rating, but don't rely on this alone. If you live in a smaller house, you may opt to purchase one that just meets the requirement. But consider getting a furnace that has a rating of 90% or up if you live in an extremely cold area.

These are just some of the key elements that you should look into when choosing between gas furnaces and other types of equipment. You should also consider installation, warranty and after-sales support when making a comparison. Shopping around will help you get the best deal.