If you are in the market for a new furnace, here are some hints that may help you to make a decision about what kind of furnace to buy.
One of the most important things to know about furnaces is that regardless of the various furnace prices, with respect to construction, all furnaces are the same. There are two or three companies out there that make many different furnaces that are sold under different names, and each furnace contains the same parts, all of which are made by one of three companies: Honeywell, White Rogers, or GE.
Carrier furnace prices and Trane furnace prices are among the highest. Many less expensive furnaces, such as Tappan and Amana Goodman, are virtually the same as Trane and Carrier and last just as long with proper care and maintenance. An Amana furnace is a cheaper alternative to Carrier and Trane, has the same features, and has a better warranty.
Furnace prices also vary depending upon their efficiency. For example, an 80% efficient furnace costs approximately $800 to $1200. A 90% efficient furnace may cost about $500 more, ranging from about $1300 to $2000, while an ultra-high efficiency furnace can cost about $2000 to $3000 before installation.
Trane, Carrier and other furnace brands offer different types of furnaces, including fuel oil, gas, and electric furnaces. Again, natural gas furnace prices, fuel oil furnace prices, and electric furnace prices vary by brand and their level of efficiency.
Natural gas is the cheapest form of fuel, but a gas furnace is usually more expensive to install. Electric furnace installation is comparable in price to gas furnace installation. Electric is probably the safest form of heat, because there is no combustion and there are no fuel hazards, and they require little to no maintenance. However, they are the most expensive to operate unless you live in an area where there is low-cost electricity.
Fuel oil furnaces are less expensive to install than gas or electric, and fuel oil is a very reliable home heating method. It does not emit carbon dioxide, and you get more heat per gallon than you do with propane or natural gas. It also has a quicker recovery time: if the power goes out, it takes less time to re-heat your hot water tank and your house with fuel oil than it does with other fuel options. The downside to fuel oil is that it is very expensive and produces soot and odor throughout the home.
As far as heating and cooling are concerned, the best value you can get for your money is a geothermal heating system. Geothermal has the least impact on the environment, costs the lowest to run, and is the most reliable. The initial expense is great but the long-term payback for the investment is the best there is.
Another big point to consider when purchasing a new furnace is installation charges. It is important to note that just because a contractor charges a high rate, it doesn't mean they will install the furnace correctly. Some contractors inflate their installation charges and mark up furnace prices, while others perform quality installation for much less. Always get estimates from more than one contractor, and always ask for references. Ninety percent of furnace failures are caused by poor installation. Remember that a furnace is only as good as the person putting it in.
Lastly, you should compare warranties that are offered on different furnaces. High-end furnaces such as Carrier and Trane offer a ten-year parts and labor warranty. Carrier, Trane, and Amana furnaces all offer lifetime heat exchanger warranties. You may want to look at the warranties of less expensive brands to see if they offer comparable warranties.
Any average new furnace should last twenty to thirty years, regardless of the fuel type or brand as long as it is installed properly and maintained regularly. To keep your furnace running efficiently, you should have it serviced and cleaned annually by a certified HVAC technician.