If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters and subfreezing temperatures, it is important that you have a good heating system in your home to keep warm. Not only will this make your living space feel nice and toasty during the colder months of the year, but it will also help you save lots of money on your energy bills.
In general, there are many types of heating units you can choose from to stay warm during winter, with the furnace often being the most preferred option among homeowners. This heating system offers people plenty of benefits, including high energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and great thermal comfort.
So, if you are planning to improve the warmth in your home with a furnace, follow these five useful tips to help you prepare for your new furnace installation.
Hire professional furnace contractors
Installing a furnace is no easy task as it can easily lead to unexpected costly repairs if not done correctly. That’s why you should hire professional furnace contractors to do the job for you and protect you from any problems in the future.
To choose the right contractor, you should get different installation estimates before settling on the first one you find.
For example, if you live in Duncan, CA, look for the best Duncan furnace installation services nearby to find a contractor who can properly install your new heating unit for a fair and affordable price.
Assess your heating needs
Before you start making any furnace purchases, you should first determine your home’s heating requirements. To do this, you can rely on your furnace contractor to evaluate the size of your home and give you advice on which type of furnace solution is best suited for you. Some companies may give you the option of building a heating system that is most appropriate for your home.
In general, when assessing your heating needs, experts take into consideration three factors which are the efficiency, size, and type of the furnace. The rule is the higher the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating a furnace has, the most efficient it will be.
Decide on your furnace type
There are four types of furnaces you can consider and these are natural gas, oil, electric, and propane.
For example, natural gas furnaces are the most commonly used type of home furnace. Although their installation is quite costly, they prove to be more affordable to operate in the long run. On the other hand, electric furnaces are much cheaper to install, but cost more to operate over time.
Propane furnaces work similarly to natural gas furnaces, except they use propane instead of natural gas. Although they are less expensive than gas furnaces, they are less efficient. Oil furnaces are a great alternative to gas and electric furnaces, but require more maintenance than other types.
Prepare the area for installation
In order to have a smooth and easy furnace installation, you should clear the area where the installation will take place.
Start by cleaning the pathway to the furnace so the contractors can move freely around. Heating systems are pretty large units so you should make as much space as possible to install your new furnace.
Also, remember to remove all tripping hazards, especially if the contractors have to travel through narrow hallways and space, and flammable materials to avoid potential injuries and fires.
Know what to expect
In general, a new furnace installation will typically take anywhere between a few hours to a couple of days. The hardest part of the entire process is actually removing the old furnace, if present, and making space for the new one.
Although you won’t be doing any of the installations yourself, it is advised that you are present during all phases so you can be available to the contractors for any questions, problems, or concerns.
Also, after the installation, make sure you ask professionals to give you advice on how to properly maintain and troubleshoot your furnace so you can keep it running efficiently for years to come.
Final thoughts
Having a good heating system in your home is essential for keeping your living space comfortable during winter, improving your indoor air quality, and saving on your heating bills. To reap all of these benefits, you should first get acquainted with the process of furnace installation from start to finish and learn how to prepare for it properly.
