Twin Cities area residents looking to upgrade their furnace will want to consider the benefits various models have to offer. By asking your contractor the right questions about your furnace, you can be sure that you make the right purchase.
What kind of warranty comes with my furnace? Since warranty coverage can differ drastically, depending on the 
manufacturer, you’ll want to compare the models of your choosing to make sure that you get the best deal. Replacement furnaces that meet federal Energy Star requirements are often eligible for cash-back rewards, and some companies may even provide money-saving rebates at the time of purchase.
What type of air filter maintenance will my furnace require? When comparing available furnace models, inquire about their unique air filtration systems and how often they must be serviced. This way you’ll be able to confidently calculate the cost of replacement air filters, as well as servicing costs, based on these facts. You’ll also have a better idea of your options with regard to air filter efficiency.
What size furnace should I purchase? When choosing a properly sized furnace, your contractor will need to consider not only the square footage of your home but also the home’s insulation levels and possible air leakage, among other factors. Your new replacement furnace should be properly matched with the heating load of your home (using Manual J calculations) to prevent unwanted under- or oversizing your new unit. Each issue can result in ample energy waste, uneven or insufficient heating, and strain on furnace components over the long term.
What type or efficiency level of furnace will I want or need? This is perhaps the most important question you’ll want to ask, since it will have long-range consequences in terms of energy savings and performance. In our cold climate, if your budget can afford it, it makes the most sense to go with a high-efficiency condensing furnace, with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90 percent or more.
Will I need to purchase additional equipment? After choosing a furnace replacement, you’ll want to find out if any additional equipment or accessories are necessary. This includes a chimney liner, programmable thermostat, humidification and/or a zoning system. Your contractor can explain the purpose and necessity of these items and whether or not they are necessary in your case.
Making Your Furnace Replacement Decision
By being prepared with the right questions to ask your contractor, you’ll feel confident in the decisions you make when considering the right furnace replacement for both you and your family.
Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional and reliable service to residents of the Twin Cities area. Contact us today to learn more about furnace replacement.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock