Installing a new furnace is a significant financial investment, and it’s not something you often do. If new furnace installation in Madison, VA, is in your near future, here are some important questions you need to ask before purchasing a new system.
How Do You Calculate the Heat Load?
Installing a furnace with an incorrect heat load can affect efficiency and comfort. The term “heat load” refers to how much heat a house needs to keep indoor temperatures steady. The load isn’t the same for every house. A common mistake inexperienced heating contractors make is suggesting replacing a home’s existing system with an upgraded version of the same model with the same capacity. Purchasing a system based on those parameters can cost you more money in the long run because you might end up with an incorrectly sized unit for your home’s actual heating needs.
Experienced contractors perform Manual J load calculations. This is an industry-standard formula that considers many factors including:
- The home’s square feet
- How much sun or shade the house receives
- The number of windows
- Building materials used
- Amount and condition of insulation
- How many people live in the house
What Is AFUE Rating Should My New Furnace Have?
AFUE is the acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how well the furnace manages to cover fuel into heat energy. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the furnace. If you want to take advantage of federal tax credits or utility company rebate programs, you’ll want to install an ENERGY STAR-certified furnace. These furnaces have AFUE ratings that are between 80 and 90 percent. Some can even be up to 99% efficient. Ask your installer to recommend the best furnace for your budget. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get high-efficiency performance.
When you’re ready for furnace installation, trust the professionals with expert knowledge to help you purchase the right system. Contact the team at Duct-Rite Mechanical LLC for all your heating system solutions.
