There’s no question that buying a furnace is an expensive proposition. The high cost of heating equipment has driven many consumers to search the Internet in the hopes of finding lower prices than they can get through their local HVAC contractor. While some great online deals are out there, many contain hidden costs that can come back to haunt bargain-shopping homeowners. If you’re considering buying a furnace online, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

The winters in the Twin Cities are long, and homeowners often are using their heating systems nearly non-stop heating until spring. This keeps you warm and comfortable, but can mean that the air in your home becomes dry and filled with static electricity. However, if you install and use a whole-house humidification system, you’ll see the humidity levels in your home restored to a comfortable range, which not only benefits you and your loved ones, but your possessions, as well.

Ductwork that is damaged, disconnected at the joints and registers, and lacking adequate insulation affects homes both old and new. The average home loses 20 percent or more of heating and cooling energy due to leaky and damaged ducts. The energy loss goes even higher if you have inadequate insulation in your home’s unconditioned spaces, and you take into account the extra load on your heating and cooling equipment as it cycles longer, because of leaks and insulation issues, to reach your desired temperature. 

A red-tagged furnace is a homeowner’s worst nightmare, particularly when it happens in the dead of winter. Not only will you have an expensive repair bill or the cost of replacing your furnace to swallow, but you also could be without heat for an extended period while you solve the problem. According to law, utility companies must disconnect red-tagged furnaces from their fuel supply or power source, and cannot reconnect them until the necessary repairs have been made or the units have been replaced.

When you’re looking for a new furnace, there are multiple factors you want to take into account. While it’s important that you pay attention to energy efficiency ratings like annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), you don’t want it to be the only criteria you’re considering. A lot of different things can have an impact on the repercussions of your furnace replacement decision, so you want to be sure that you’re well informed before jumping into anything.

You probably know how much you spend each month on your energy bills, but unless you know how much you use for each of your home’s systems, it’s hard to identify ways to stem energy loss. When you know what proportion of your energy bills goes toward each use or piece of equipment, you can prioritize your plan to improve energy efficiency.

All of these steps are simple and low cost. Since Minnesota winters are so long, every little bit counts when it comes to saving on heating bills. There are many different ways to cut back on energy use this winter to lower your energy use and utility bills. Make some or all of the following changes to improve the energy savings of your home this winter:

When a company is designated as a Lennox Premiere Dealer, you instantly know they have earned it. Lennox has worked hard over many decades to innovate and establish itself as a leader in the science of home comfort. Once given the title of Premiere Dealer, Lennox has placed a trust in that company that has shown itself matching their own high standards.

Your furnace will only operate at its fullest potential for years to come if you take care of it now. Here are five ways to improve the furnace lifespan and decrease the money you spend to operate it this season and for years to come.

Imagine if your heating system failed in the middle of a frigid Minnesota night. Are you prepared? What would you do? Who would you call? Establishing a trustful relationship with a dependable and reputable HVAC contractor is important for your family’s home comfort, good indoor air quality and peace of mind.