5 Questions When Buying a New Furnace
During our cold winters in the Pacific Northwest, investing in a quality furnace is not just a good idea but a necessity.
If your furnace quit last season or is old and losing efficiency, it is time to start shopping for a replacement.
A new furnace is a significant investment, and you want to be sure you buy the best one for your home. That does not necessarily mean you should look for the most expensive unit or the biggest one with the most bells and whistles.
You want a unit that makes the most sense for your comfort goals, budget, and lifestyle. How do you select the best unit? Ask the right questions.
Rely on Bryant for Quality
At Bryant Northwest, your source for Bryant dealers in Oregon, Washington, and Montana, we have compiled a few essential questions to ask prospective heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors while shopping for a new furnace.
Consider what you need before you buy. A Bryant dealer can help you focus on solutions that suit your unique needs and can offer equipment options that fit your budget. Bryant has manufactured reliable and quality HVAC products for over a century.
Choose a local Bryant dealer from our Bryant Northwest online directory. Click our Find A Dealer link.
A Few Furnace Shopping Tips
Get quotes from at least three installers to compare companies, furnaces, prices, and installment details. Be sure to ask each contractor about their experience installing the furnaces you are considering.
Furnace reviews in magazines and online HVAC sources can offer insight into the pros and cons of each unit you are considering. Compare their features and decide which benefits you.
Ask prospective installers about financing options, rebates, and tax credits. If you are interested in a higher-priced unit but are hesitant about the price, a combination of financial incentives may be enough to lower the cost substantially. You can get a 30 percent federal tax credit on select furnaces through 2032. Visit ENERGY STAR® for more information.
Ready to make an informed decision on a new furnace? These five questions will help:
- How much will I pay? A written cost estimate should detail how much you will pay for the furnace and installation. Ask about any additional costs, such as permits and ductwork repairs.
- What is the AFUE? The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measures how efficiently a furnace uses fuel, such as natural gas, propane, or oil, to produce heat. The higher the number, the more efficient the furnace. An 80 percent AFUE means the furnace converts 80 percent of its fuel into heat. High-efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings from 90 to 98.5 percent.
- Does the furnace need a new venting system? If you upgrade from a low-efficiency furnace to one with an AFUE in the 80 percent range, gases will exhaust through your existing chimney. If you upgrade to a high-efficiency condensing furnace, you will need a new venting system because the acidic condensate produced during heating does not vent through the chimney.
Ask about the complexity of installing a new vent system, how it will modify your home, and how it may increase the price of the installation. - What are the warranty details? Ask when the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Find out what components it includes and if labor costs are covered. Compare warranties. A good warranty might be the tie-breaker as you consider two similar units.
- How long will the furnace last? Furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, although regular maintenance, cleanings, and filter changes may extend longevity. Ask what maintenance is involved and how much can be done without professional assistance.
Start Furnace Shopping Today!
Write your questions down and keep the list on hand when you meet with potential HVAC contractors. Remember to include a Bryant dealer when you schedule estimates. Bryant Northwest works with Bryant dealers in Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Click our Find A Dealer link to find a professional HVAC team near you,