Many homeowners are surprised by the results of their home energy assessments. The majority of people believe that they are living as sustainably and efficiently as possible, but their home energy audits reveal that heat and energy is oozing out of their home at an alarming rate.
If your recent home energy assessment has revealed that you may need new heating and cooling equipment in order to make your home more energy efficient, then buying a new furnace may be your next best step.
When purchasing a new furnace, such as a Bryant gas furnace, you will be faced with a variety of decisions to make. Our guide to buying a furnace will help simplify the process for you.
Buying a New Furnace: When Should You Upgrade?
Recognizing that there have been significant improvements in heating and cooling appliances in the last decade, many Massachusetts homeowners are wondering if they should upgrade to a new furnace before the lifespan of their existing furnace expires. Here’s a few signs that may indicate that it’s time to buy a new gas furnace:
If your furnace is between 15 and 20 years old, it has likely reached the end of its projected lifespan. It will no longer be operating efficiently or effectively, and it is likely out-of-date with the latest technology.
If you notice that your furnace is no longer heating your home evenly, it may be time to buy a new furnace. When a furnace has reached the end of its operational lifespan, it will no longer be able to maintain the optimal temperatures in every room of your home at the same time.
If your furnace is in need of repair, and the cost of the repair is more than 50 percent of the value of the furnace itself. At some point, it’s better to invest in a new gas furnace than to put money into an older furnace that will require more maintenance in the near future.
If you notice that your energy bills have increased significantly, it may be the right time to purchase a new furnace. Rising energy bills are often a major motivating factor for people who want a new furnace. Even if a furnace is still working and has not reached its operational lifespan, rising energy bills may mean that it’s time to purchase new energy-efficient equipment.
Factors to Consider When Buying a New Furnace
There is no one-size-fits-all furnace. Homeowners who are looking to purchase a Bryant gas furnace will want to consider a variety of factors before choosing the heating equipment that is right for their property. According to Consumer Reports, those factors include:
Size — The size of your home and your personal heating needs will determine the size of the furnace that you need. For example, a homeowner with a large property who purchases a smaller furnace to save money may find that their new furnace does not perform as expected. To select a furnace that is the right size for your specific home, work with a reputable installer. At HomeWorks Energy, we can assess your home and recommend a furnace that will work best for the design, size and construction style of your property.
Efficiency Rating — The efficiency of a furnace is determined by its annual fuel-utilization-efficiency, or AFUE, rating. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace is. All new furnaces manufactured today must have an AFUE rating of 78 percent. However, there are some extremely high-efficient furnaces on the market that achieve an AFUE rating of about 97 percent. Homeowners will find furnaces that have a higher AFUE rating may also have a higher price tag, but they also generate higher savings on utility costs.
Key Features — Homeowners also should note and understand the key features on the furnaces they are considering, and decide which features are most important to them. Some key features to consider include the ignition system, the air filtration system and the ability to enact zoned heating. An HVAC professional can explain the benefits of these features and help you decide which features will be best for your lifestyle.
Financial Perks: Assistance, Rebates and Incentives
For some Massachusetts homeowners, the cost of buying a new furnace may prohibit them from making this investment in their home and in their personal comfort. It’s important to note that there is financial assistance, rebates, and incentives available for Massachusetts homeowners who purchase an energy-efficient furnace for their home. These include:
Mass Save HEAT Loan — The Mass Save HEAT Loan is a financial assistance program that provides homeowners with a 7-year, 0 percent interest loan to complete home improvement projects that will reduce the amount of energy they use in their home. Those who qualify can receive a loan for up to $25,000.
Mass Save Residential Rebates and Incentives — There are other residential rebates and incentives available through the Mass Save program. For example, when buying a gas furnace, homeowners may be eligible to receive a rebate of up to $1,250.
HomeWorks Energy is a Mass Save partner, which means that when you work with us we will ensure that you get the maximum amount of rebates and incentives possible with the Mass Save program. Our equipment meets their standards for qualification, and we can help you benefit from this innovative program.
Where Should You Buy a New Furnace?
When buying a new furnace, you will want to work with trusted professionals who offer reliable and sustainable equipment. At HomeWorks Energy, we have a variety of furnace models available for homeowners to choose from. Having earned the reputation of being one of the most trusted heating and cooling providers in Massachusetts, our customers know that when they purchase a new gas furnace from us they are going to be getting heating equipment that will last for years to come.
Our expert team of heating and cooling professionals can help you select the new furnace that is right for your home. Contact us today to learn more about the furnaces that we have available.
