31 Oct 2015

What You Need to Know About Furnace Installation

Furnace installationInstalling a new furnace is a big decision for any home owner, and if may be one you try to put off for as long as you can. But if you’ve spent the last few winters making continuous repairs to your heating unit, it’s probably time for an upgrade. A new furnace will operate more efficiently, lowering your energy costs and making your home more comfortable in the process.

The first step is researching the type of furnace to have installed. The life of a typical furnace is 15 to 20 years, and there are so many choices in just about every price range. According to Angie’s List, the average cost of a new furnace, powered by natural gas, is between $2,500 and $14,000. The average cost for installation is between $2,000 and $8,000.

“We are seeing a variety of different options popping up, as well, now,” says Phil Montgomery, owner of Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning. “If you live in a smaller home, there are electric heat options. These units have small registers around the border of each room that heat the space. The installation cost is lower, on average between $1,000 and $2,000, however there are several drawbacks. These electric units aren’t efficient at heating large spaces, and the energy costs tend to be higher.”

Heat pumps are another option that are gaining in popularity. Using refrigerant coils, the unit pulls in heat of the air or ground. An air source heat pump averages between $1,500 and $7,000, and a ground source one can cost between $7,000 and as much as $25,000. These types of units should can double as air conditioning units in the spring and summer. But, they can only be used effectively in the winter in temperate climates because extreme cold limits their efficiency.

“The average home more than likely uses a gas furnace, because they are the most cost effective and come with the most choices,” says Montgomery. “Today, there are more options than ever before, which means there are a lot of things for a homeowner to consider.”

The first thing to look at when contemplating a new furnace installation is the heat output of the unit. This is measured in British Thermal Units. The average home will require a 60,000 BTU furnace. One may think that the higher the BTU, the better the furnace, but this isn’t always the case.

“A smaller home won’t be better served with a higher BTU rating,” says Montgomery. “It not only will cost more to install, but it will heat the home quickly, but then shut off. This cycle will continue, and it can make the comfort of your home inconsistent.”

Furnace efficiency is the next thing to investigate. If you aren’t sure what your current unit’s rating is, but know your furnace hasn’t been replaced in many years, you can assume it is rated around 80% or less. Today, many new furnace units are rated 90% or better. This 10% jump in efficiency can translate into great energy savings for you.

When determining the cost of a new furnace, you also need to factor in the cost of installation by a professional. Having a furnace professionally installed means you can rest easy knowing that your home will heat efficiently and effectively, and all ductwork will have been professionally inspected to ensure proper air flow through the home.

With YouTube and the ability to Google just about anything, some homeowners may be tempted to try to install a new furnace on their own. Montgomery advises against that, however.

“There is a lot that goes in to installing a new heating unit,” says Montgomery. “My trained and licensed experts will have the unique knowledge you need to ensure you’re making the best purchase for your home, and that when you need it most, your furnace will efficiently heat your home.”

Now is a great time to have your current heating unit inspected, and if needed, a new one installed. Temperatures will begin to dip, and Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning will make sure you aren’t left in the cold. Call today at (404) 942-9779.

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