As the first whispers of winter slip into Lake County and Chicagoland, it’s time to turn our thoughts to staying warm without cutting into the holiday budget. You might think that your 20- or 30-year-old heating system is running great and should be good for another season, but the higher utility bills from an inefficient heater aren’t doing you – or the environment – any favors. An upgraded, energy-efficient furnace can keep your Gurnee, IL, home more comfortable while reducing your monthly heating bill all winter long.
Updating Your Furnace
Here are a few key points to consider as you research your purchase.
- AFUE: This number is the annual fuel utilization efficiency rating. The higher the number, the better the energy efficiency. Heaters that are pushing 20 to 30 years old could be as low as 65 percent. Today’s best models use 97 to 98 percent of the fuel for heat.
- Size: Old heaters had to be over-sized to make up for the poor efficiency. With a higher efficiency rating, you’ll be able to choose a smaller unit and still be comfortable.
- Features: Variable speed blowers and variable heat output can boost energy efficiency and keep you more comfortable by adjusting the speed of the air and the amount of heat to avoid drafts and deliver a more consistent temperature.
Protecting Your Investment
Most HVAC repair issues come down to two problems: lack of maintenance or poor installation. Your new system has the best chance at a long life if you choose the installer wisely and follow up with annual service checks. Over the long run, you’ll save yourself time and aggravation by choosing the company with a better reputation and more experience rather than the one with the lowest bid.
To learn more about high-quality, energy-efficient furnaces, check out Herchenbach Mechanical Inc.‘s Carrier page or call (847) 260-9335.
