Furnace Installation Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Whether you’re moving into a newly built home or an older home, you want to make sure it’s comfortable for the long term. One of the most important systems to address is heating. Having a new furnace installed is an investment in safety and energy efficiency. This blog explores how to easily choose the best furnace and installer. Right-Sizing and Efficiency Are Paramount The most frequent error in furnace installation is to buy a product that is too big or too small for the home’s square footage and layout. An oversized furnace is also liable to short-cycle. This can result in uneven heating, further increase the wear and tear on system components, and higher utility bills. An undersized system may have difficulty keeping up on the coldest days, which results in the system running constantly and driving up energy bills without adequately heating the home. A correct load calculation, performed by a qualified expert, is important in determining the appropriate furnace size. While a higher-efficiency unit can be costlier upfront, you can expect to pay much less for heating in many years to come. The Department of Energy notes that upgrading from a 56% AFUE system to a 90% model in a cold-climate home can reduce heating fuel consumption nearly in half. These lasting savings can balance the upfront cost, making an efficient model a wiser financial choice for the ten years or more you will probably have the furnace. Vet the Installer’s Credentials and Experience The quality of the furnace itself is only part of the equation; the skill of the installation crew is equally crucial. A highly efficient furnace installed poorly will not perform to the expected capacity and could be dangerous.  Always make sure the contractor is properly licensed, bonded, and insured. These qualifications protect you from liability and shoddy work. In addition, look for technicians who are certified by industry standard organizations, as this is indicative of a dedication to ongoing training and best practices. This in-home visit is important in covering problems that can affect efficiency, such as ductwork leaks or an oversized flue. Homeowners seeking furnace installation Waukesha WI, should choose a locally based company with excellent community ratings and a strong reputation. Their understanding of regional climate and building codes offers a valuable advantage. Understand the Full Scope of the Project and Costs When seeking quotes, it is important not to just consider the bottom line. An itemized transparent quote should show the cost of the furnace unit, all materials and labor involved, and additional work such as ductwork modification or installation of a new thermostat. A qualified installer will state clearly what is included and validate the charges for each part of the project. A manufacturer’s parts warranty covers most furnaces, but the quality and duration of the labor warranty that the installer provides can vary substantially. Also, ask about service plans, as annual service of your furnace is important to keep it running efficiently and safely, and maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. Endnote Doing your first furnace as a new homeowner is a major step. By giving serious thought to proper sizing and efficiency, and thoroughly interviewing your installation professional, you can go into the process with confidence. Understanding the full financial and maintenance picture will help protect your investment for a long time. A correctly sized and properly installed furnace will provide steady comfort while keeping your energy costs in check.