3 Main Types of Furnaces

Furnaces are one of the best ways to keep your home warm and cozy during the colder months. While heat pumps can offer efficient heating and cooling, if the temperature drops low, furnaces offer the best heating capabilities. Furnaces work by using energy to create heat, then distribute the heat through your home by blowing warmed air through vents and ducts. While all furnaces basically work the same, there are differences in energy types. Here are the three main types of furnaces and the differences in costs and efficiency.

Natural Gas

If natural gas is available, most people prefer natural gas furnaces for heating. Gas offers even, comfortable heat and is less expensive than most other types of energy. The main drawback of gas furnaces is the minute possibility of a leak, which can be very dangerous. It is important to have a C02 detector in the home as a safety precaution.

Oil

While the least common furnace, oil is used for furnaces and can offer effective heating. Oil furnaces are most common in colder regions, especially where natural gas is not easily available for all homes. Oil is more expensive than natural gas, resulting in higher energy costs.

Electric

Smaller and less expensive to purchase, electric furnaces can be a good option in some circumstances. They are less efficient and tend to cost more to heat a home than natural gas, but their lower initial cost and smaller size is desirable for some homeowners.

Looking to buy a new furnace? Go over all the options available to find the right type for your home and budget. Keep in mind the long-term costs and consider efficiency to determine the best furnace type for your home and climate region.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

Furnace or Heat Pump – How to Decide

If you are building a new home or replacing your heat source in your existing home, you may be considering your options. Both heat pumps and furnaces are popular heat sources, each with their own benefits. But, there are differences and advantages, depending on what your needs are for your home. Here is a quick comparison of the two to outline the differences.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use the outdoor air to keep the home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. They do not use fuel for heat, but pull in heat from the air to heat the home, or pulls in cold air to cool it. Heat pumps warm the home like an air conditioner in reverse, and they can also cool a house during the summer. Heat pumps are energy efficient for climates that do not have extreme winter weather, offering a substantial energy savings.

Furnaces

Furnaces can offer a wonderful heat source, using oil, gas or electricity for fuel. Furnaces have one purpose – to heat the home. Furnaces burn fuel to make heat and distribute through the home, usually with a duct system. They are wonderful for cold weather, especially regions that often fall below freezing during the winter. However, they only heat and do need to be paired with an air conditioner for cooling during the summer for complete year-round climate control.

In a nut shell, heat pumps are an efficient option for regions that do not have severe winters, while a furnace can offer better heat for below freezing temperatures. Talk to your local HVAC service company to learn more about your heating options for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

HVAC Tax Credit

As 2010 comes to a close, this is your last chance to qualify for an energy tax credit for up to $1500 for qualifying, energy efficient home heating and cooling equipment.  Eligible products include central air conditioners, heat pumps, and natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces. 

This is a great opportunity to have these energy efficient products installed in your home today.  When you install an energy efficient central air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace in your home, you will save money on home heating and cooling costs for years and earn a tax credit of up to $1500! 

The tax credit includes installation so be sure to contact your local reputable HVAC professional and start saving money on home heating and cooling costs today.  Your HVAC professional can recommend the size and type of air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump that’s right for your home.  Be sure your HVAC contractor installs tax eligible energy efficient equipment.  If in doubt, ask to see the manufacturer’s certification statement for the equipment your HVAC contractor is recommending.

Heating and cooling your home accounts for as much as half your energy bill.  Even if your old, outdated equipment is in working order, you might save energy and money in the long run by having your HVAC contractor install modern, energy efficient equipment. 

Installing new energy efficient heating and cooling equipment will mean big savings on energy costs, but it is important that it is installed properly.  Improperly installation reduces efficiency by up to 30%.  For the best results and maximum savings, be sure to have your new energy efficient heating and cooling equipment installed by an experienced, reputable local HVAC contractor.