Choosing the right furnace type

Whatever your reason for replacing your furnace, you are probably looking for a unit that’s energy efficient. With harsh winters on the horizon coupled with skyrocketing energy costs, it makes sense to choose a system that delivers on improved comfort and lower operating costs. And if you need further incentive, you can now usually get a tax credit for upgrading to a more efficient furnace. Three common types of residential furnaces are forced air gas (natural gas), electric, and heat pumps. All three operating systems have their pros and cons, and you will need to decide which type is best suited for your home, based on its size and age, existing HVAC structure, and your budget.

Forced air/gas

This is the “traditional” heating system and is found in most older homes. Natural gas heats the air, which is forced through your home’s duct system. Currently, natural gas furnaces remain the cheapest to operate, although natural gas prices have increased, and this upward trajectory is predicted to continue. One caution is that a natural-gas furnace raises the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so make sure you have CO detectors installed throughout your house.

Electric

Electric furnaces are solely powered by electricity and are a good option if you live in an area where natural gas isn’t plentiful. They operate with electric heat exchangers as opposed to gas burners. Cold air from outdoors passes through the heat exchanger, then is expelled through the ductwork to warm your home. The major drawback of electric furnaces is the cost to run them.

Heat pumps

The most common type of heat pump is an air-source heat pump. These are installed in the ground outside your house and as the name implies, they draw warm air from outdoors, which is distributed throughout your home. Simply put, the heat pump transfers warm air from spot to spot. The cons of heat pumps are that they can be expensive and don’t always work that well in climates with extreme temperature swings.

Contact the team at CARE Heating & Cooling if you have questions about which type of furnace best suits your home and lifestyle. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and share our recommendations. Reach out to us at (614) 841-1555 or use our convenient online scheduling form.