Choosing the Right Replacement Furnace for Your Minneapolis St. Paul Home

When you are choosing a furnace for replacing an older furnace or one that has failed, selecting the right furnace is very important. For Twin Cities metro area homeowners, that choice is even more important, since our winter temperatures can dip below -20° degrees. An inadequate furnace or one that is inefficient just won’t do the job and will increase your heating bill to unacceptable levels. Furnace replacement choices mean taking many factors into consideration, and most Minneapolis St. Paul furnace buyers need help in making that highly technical decision. Here are some of the factors to consider:

• Size – Furnace heating capacities are measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). The higher that number, the more heat the furnace can produce. The BTU output of your replacement furnace must match or exceed the amount of heat lost by your Minneapolis St. Paul home during the coldest weather of the Minnesota winter. Proper furnace sizing is important. A furnace that has a lower capacity than is needed simply can’t properly heat your home, and will run constantly in cold weather. A furnace with a capacity that is too large will cycle on and off too frequently, giving you uneven heating. Choosing exactly the right furnace requires careful calculation of a number of factors. The insulation and winterization of your home is an important factor, too. A Residential Heating & Air Conditioning consultant will make these calculations after evaluating your home in a free, no obligation consultation.
• Efficiency – The efficiency of furnaces is represented by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Today’s gas furnaces start at an 80% AFUE rating, which means that 80% of the fuel burned in the furnace actually heats your home. The other 20% goes up the vent and is wasted. The most efficient furnaces available are rated at up to 96% AFUE. The result is dramatic fuel savings for homeowners with more efficient furnaces. Some older furnaces may have AFUE ratings as low as 50%. Your Residential Heating & Air Conditioning home comfort consultant can show you just how much you will save with a high-efficiency furnace from Carrier or Goodman.
• Venting – After evaluating your current furnace installation, your Residential Heating & Air Conditioning consultant can determine whether your current venting system is compatible with your choice of furnaces. Modern high-efficiency furnaces may use a different venting system than older furnaces, and modern furnaces require a fresh air intake capability. This can add to the cost of your new furnace, but the savings from a high-efficiency furnace will quickly compensate for the increased cost of installation.
• Initial Cost – Depending on your choice of furnace, the price of the replacement furnace itself is just part of the initial cost of a new furnace. Factory rebates and government tax credits can offset part of the cost of a high-efficiency furnace. Other factors include any new venting and the cost of removal of the old furnace and any changes needed in ductwork. Your Residential Heating & Air Conditioning consultant can help you understand these costs and explain how a high-efficiency furnace can offset those costs over time.
• Brand – There are many furnace manufacturers. Which one you choose can influence the cost of your new furnace over time, which is the only real measure of cost. Budget brands of furnaces, available from some suppliers, may seem attractively priced, however, you need to carefully consider the reputation of the manufacturer. An increased need for repairs can quickly overcome any savings. Residential Heating & Air Conditioning sells and installs only furnaces from Goodman and Carrier, the two most widely respected furnace companies in America. That’s because we know that they make top quality furnaces that are reliable and dependable over many years. Both factors save you money.
• Your HVAC Contractor – Choosing the right heating & air conditioning contractor to supply and install your new furnace is one of the most important factors. Make the right choice and you’ll get the best advice on which furnace will provide the warm comfort you deserve. You’ll also get professional installation that meets all building and safety codes, and the right furnace company will stand solidly behind their products with maintenance and service as long as you own your furnace. Residential Heating & Air Conditioning has over 20 years of experience with Minnesota residential heating, with a reputation that can’t be beaten. We sell only high-quality products to specifically match your needs, install them professionally, and will be there when you need us.

The chart shows approximate savings in an average household when upgraded to newer more efficient furnaces.

Residential Heating & Air Conditioning – Minneapolis St. Paul Trusted Heating Contractor

Residential Heating & Air Conditioning puts its 20-year reputation for excellence on the line with every job. Our 21,000 satisfied customers over those 20 years assure you that you’ll get the best information and advice, high-quality products, expert installation and service for the lifetime of your furnace when you choose us. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation in your Twin Cities metro area home. Our Minneapolis St. Paul home comfort specialist will evaluate your home and current HVAC system, then offer a range of options that will meet your home heating needs. He’ll explain those options, answer your questions, and then let you decide for yourself. There’s never any pressure. We welcome the opportunity to help you choose the ideal system for your home.