A Gas Furnace for Sale: Five Factors to Weight

Here at Budget Air Supply, we have plenty of gas furnaces for sale from top manufacturers like Rheem and Goodman, as well as a respectable assortment of gas-electric package units (also known as gas packs) that contain furnaces.

Variety may be the spice of life, but it also complicates the decision-making process, especially when that variety entails an equally diverse set of specifications. A gas furnace’s raw power is one thing, but what else should you be looking for?

Here are a few things you can consider in a gas furnace for sale to determine if it is a good match for your home or not.

1.AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

AFUE is a common rating associated with gas furnaces, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, and gives a measurement of how efficient a furnace is at converting fuel directly into heat (energy).

AFUE is usually given as a percentage, which is calculated by dividing the total heat energy output by the unit’s total energy input. For example, a furnace with an AFUE of 95 or 95% would be capable of converting 95% of fuel into heat.

The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient a furnace will be, and consequently, the less it will cost to operate. As of 2015, all new gas furnaces for sale manufactured in the United States must have an AFUE rating of 80% or higher, with the most efficient having an AFUE of higher than 98%.

The key takeaway here is this. Look for a higher AFUE rating, as the higher the rating, the less money it will cost you to operate the furnace, driving down your heating bills.

2.Noise-reducing features

Unlike air conditioning systems, in which the condenser is likely to be housed outside, keeping the noisiest components outside, most furnaces are stored indoors and bring the noise inside with them. Some homeowners don’t mind the noise that furnaces make, but for others, they are a noisy nuisance.

Luckily, many gas furnaces for sale have noise-reducing features and quiet blower motors. If you’ve ever had a loud furnace, and it causes problems for you or keeps you awake at night, consider a furnace that offers a quieter operation for your next purchase.

3.Is it a single-stage or a dual-stage furnace?

Single-stage furnaces have only one mode of operation and one output. They operate at the same “high level” power output all the time. This is effective in cold climates, but not very energy efficient, as the output level doesn’t match the output needed to keep the house warm.

Two-stage furnaces have a “high” setting and a “low” setting and operate at the lower setting most of the time. If it gets too cold in a house, a two-stage furnace will switch over to its higher output setting in order to keep the house warm.

While two-stage furnaces are more expensive than single-stage furnaces, they are much more energy-efficient, and also more practical in areas with colder climates. Although they may cost you more money upfront, they will likely save you money in the long run.

4.Is it single speed or variable speed?

Furnaces all have blower motors that are used to circulate the air over the heat exchanger and around the house via the home’s ductwork. Some furnaces have single-speed blower motors, whereas others have variable-speed motors, which are sometimes referred to as multi-speed motors.

Just like a single-stage furnace, furnaces with one blower motor speed have only one method of operation. This is practical, but not energy efficient. It isn’t always necessary to operate the blower motor at an elevated speed in order to circulate the air around a home. Furnaces with variable speed motors will kick on at a lower speed and switch to the higher speed if necessary.

Like two-stage furnaces, gas furnaces for sale with variable speed blower motors are typically more expensive. However, though they may cost more up-front, they’re likely to save you over time.

5.Is it powerful enough?

Last but not least, you’ll want to purchase an LP or natural gas furnace that has enough raw power for your home. Purchase a furnace that’s too small and your home will be cold on frigid winter days. Purchase a furnace that’s too large and you’ll probably spend more than you need to and have more furnace than you’ll ever need.

Furnaces, like air conditioners, are given a BTU rating to indicate their power. However, while the BTU rating is objective, whether or not a furnace will be powerful enough for your home depends on a variety of other factors, including your climate and location within the country, the size and arrangement of your home, the number of floors in your home, and even how many windows you have.

Choosing between Gas Furnaces for Sale: Consult the Experts

When it comes time to choosing a new furnace or split system for your home, don’t leave anything to chance. You’ll want a furnace at the lowest price, and one that will help you keep gas bills low. Get in touch with our customer service team directly at 855-473-6484. Let us know how we can help and we will!