Commonly Asked Questions about Rheem Gas Furnaces

Whether you already own a Rheem gas furnace, are thinking about buying one, or simply have a differently branded furnace in your home, you may have thought of one or two of these questions before. They’re pretty universally applicable.

Check out these gas furnace FAQs below and if you need additional direction, be sure to reach out to us for additional clarification. We’re always here to help!

1.How does a gas furnace work?

Not every gas furnace works in exactly the same way, but the basic function is very similar across the board. Basically, a furnace combusts fuel (typically either liquid propane or natural gas) in a controlled manner. This flame is applied to a metal coil known as a heat exchanger which absorbs the heat. Specific metals are used in furnaces that are both able to hold a lot of thermal energy and shed it rapidly.

When it gets to a certain temperature, the furnace’s blower motor kicks on and passes air over the heat exchanger, which absorbs some of the energy and is circulated throughout the building through its ductwork.

2.What is a two stage furnace?

A two stage furnace is a furnace that has two “power” levels, high, for extremely cold days, and low, for warmer days. Some modern furnaces now have three stage operation, for improved efficacy and efficiency.

Most two stage furnaces will start heating at the lower settings and run for a certain period of time. If the thermostat does not respond favorably during that window, they will kick into the higher output mode.

Two stage furnaces are more efficient, enabling a furnace to run only at the level of output needed given the circumstances, instead of at one level all the time.

3.What is AFUE and why does it matter?

AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization and offers a representation of the relative fuel efficiency of a gas furnace, sort of like how SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) gives an estimate of the efficiency of a cooling system.

AFUE is typically offered as a whole number (or a percentage) from 1 to 100, representing the percentage of money that will be converted into energy. For example, an 80AFUE or 80% system converts 80 cents of every dollar spent on fuel into heat energy, a 90AFUE or 90% AFUE systems converts 95 cents of every dollar, and so on and so forth. The higher the AFUE rating, the better.

4.How often should I get my gas furnace serviced?

Recommended service may vary according to manufacturer or model; you can check with us for specifics.

However, a good rule of thumb is to schedule a service appointment at minimum once per year, and it’s an even better idea to schedule two, once in the spring and once in the fall, that way you won’t be blindsided by any issues come winter.

A service technician will inspect your filter, flame sensors, ignitors, blower motor, draft inducer motor and heat exchanger, among any other proprietary features, ensuring that they are all in healthy working order.

5.Should I perform any maintenance of my own?

While we don’t necessarily recommend you try to perform any in-depth service, you can and should regularly clean your furnace and change your air filter.

You should inspect your furnace air filter every 1 to 3 months or as soon as it becomes dirty, as a dirty filter can damage your system.

To perform basic cleaning, shut off the breaker to your furnace and ensure that everything is off. Take off the front panel and clear out dust and dirt with a vacuum. Remove your old filter, vacuum the housing, and replace it with a new one.

6.How do I know if a Rheem gas furnace is big enough for my house?

In order to make an educated calculation about whether or not a furnace is large enough for your house, you’ll need to know at least three things: the square footage of your home, your climate zone, and the BTU rating of the furnace.

The United States is divided into multiple climate zones, which provide a rough estimate of how cold the winters are and how hot the summers are. Rather than offering you a rough estimate of how much BTU capacity you need to heat a house of a given size, contact us and we’ll help you figure it out.

7.I think my gas furnace is leaking water. Is that bad?

You might be used to air conditioners leaking water, but believe it or not, a gas furnace may leak water too, and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With some higher efficiency furnaces, water may be produced as a natural byproduct of fuel combustion. If you have any concerns or don’t believe this to be the case, contact your technician.

8.Do I really need a Rheem gas furnace?

That’s a great question, as not all homes throughout the country have the need for a gas furnace to heat their homes. Some homes are equipped with heating and cooling solutions that include heat pumps or electric heat strips. If it’s not particularly cold in your area, something like a heat pump or an electric heat strip with an air conditioning system may be a more energy efficient and cost-effective solution.

9.Where can I find help choosing a gas furnace?

You’re already right where you need to be! Our prices are low, our shipping is free, and we carry some of the best names in the industry, including Rheem and Goodman. If you’re looking for a high-efficiency HVAC system, such as one that includes a Rheem furnace, get in contact with our professionals and we’ll ensure that you choose a system that will meet your needs.

Rheem gas furnaces incorporate some of the most advanced technology in the home heating industry, with PlusOne Ignition Systems and PlusOne Diagnostics, among other cutting edge features. Whether you choose a Rheem system or not, our gas furnace prices are the best in the industry and you won’t pay for shipping - and through our nationwide installation network, we’ll help you manage installation costs.

Winter is around the corner. Be prepared ahead of time. Call us at 855-473-6484 and let us know more about your family’s needs, your home size and where you live. We’ll set you up with the ideal solution.