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If your gas furnace has required more repairs lately, it might be time to replace it. There’s nothing worse than having your heating system fail on a cold day. Here are the top features to look at in today’s gas furnaces. Gift yourself peace of mind knowing that everyone in your Berryville, VA home will stay warm and toasty.

1. Energy Star Certification

If you want to measure the energy consumption of a furnace, then you need to look at its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. New furnaces must meet a legal minimum standard of 80%. However, those models with the Energy Star certification through the EPA , require a rating of 95% or higher in northern states.

Energy Star furnaces are worth the investment if you want to save money over time. They can be as much as 15% more efficient than standard furnaces, resulting in additional annual savings.

2. Variable-speed Blower

Your furnace has a motor that provides power to the blower fan. The fan in some older models is only capable of running at a single power level. Upgrading to a new furnace with variable-speed technology carries several benefits.

For starters, variable-speed blowers don’t always have to work as hard as they adjust to your home’s interior temperature. As a result, you can enjoy heat distribution that is more uniform while also saving money. Also, you’ll hear less noise overall.

3. Sealed Combustion

Older gas furnaces often have combustion chambers open to the air surrounding them. That way, the blowers can draw in air for ignition and burning. These furnace models are no longer the only option.

Sealed-combustion furnaces draw air outside your home via a PVC pipe. They may require less maintenance since they’re not pulling in dust and dirt from your basement. You’ll enjoy more energy efficiency with a furnace such as this, and they’re also safer and won’t negatively impact your indoor humidity.

4. Ignition System

An older furnace is more likely to rely on a pilot light. This continuous flame is responsible for igniting the gas that heats the furnace. However, the continuous nature of the pilot light meant using a lot of energy.

Modern ignition systems can light up the gas using a hot surface or a spark. Look for a model that has an intermittent pilot or direct spark ignition system. Choosing either option means acquiring a system that lasts even longer than the older models and is safer to use.

5. Air Filtration

A new furnace might have a filter that minimizes the amount of dust that comes through your home’s heating system. One possibility is an electronic filter that traps particles using electrical charges. Replacing your HVAC filters, in general, is important. But the one in your furnace is just as vital to maintain.

6. Warranty

Most major furnace brands will include a comprehensive warranty, but it’s always best to play it safe and confirm this with your chosen HVAC company, as all of them are different. If they do offer a warranty, look for these three specific features:

  • Contractor Parts/Labor Extended Warranty: This is usually an additional warranty at extra cost, so balance the expense now versus a pricey repair later on.
  • Furnace Heat Exchanger Warranty: This part is hard to replace, and it costs a lot to do it. Warranties for this are often ten years, 20 years, or a lifetime.
  • Manufacturer Parts Warranty: You’ll see a 5-year warranty for parts as an industry standard, but you could find 15-year extended options as well.

Depending on the age of your current furnace, you might be pleasantly surprised at the upgrades you can enjoy with a new heating system. Stay warm and cozy this winter by contacting Griffith Energy Services. Our selection of gas furnaces come with a number of energy-saving benefits.

Image provided by iStock

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