Buying a new furnace is a big investment. The comfort, energy costs, and home value are all at stake. With proper equipment selection and professional installation, a furnace can provide dependable heat for many years. Choosing the wrong size or model, or having it installed incorrectly, could result in higher energy bills and costly repairs or premature failure. By understanding the process and options for furnace installation, homeowners can feel confident making the best decisions for their home and avoid expensive mistakes.
Salmon HVAC works with homeowners to tailor each furnace installation to the home, local climate, and long-term performance and value.
How Does Climate Affect Furnace Selection?
Cold winters mean heating systems are used more often and for longer periods of time. During stretches of subzero temperatures, a furnace needs to have the power to cycle less frequently and still keep up with heat loss to maintain consistent indoor comfort levels. Snow and longer cold seasons call for furnaces built to deliver higher heating capacity and more consistent efficiency.
Areas with larger temperature swings also put a premium on insulation and proper airflow. A furnace sized and selected to match the home will run more efficiently, wear down less quickly, and heat more evenly. Too small a system will run constantly and never be able to keep up. Oversized equipment short cycles, wasting energy and accelerating wear.
What Do Furnace Efficiency Ratings Mean?
Efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a furnace. Furnace efficiency is rated using Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE measures how much fuel is converted to usable heat. The higher the efficiency rating, the less wasted energy and the lower the heating cost.
High-efficiency furnaces operate at ninety percent efficiency or more. These systems have advanced technology components that extract more heat from fuel and reduce waste. A high-efficiency model is the ideal choice for homeowners focused on reducing energy costs. Though high-efficiency models have a higher upfront cost, they tend to more than pay for themselves over time.
BTU is another furnace output measurement that must be taken into account. British Thermal Units are the metric for furnace power. Selecting the right BTU rating is crucial for comfort. The furnace should be strong enough to heat the whole home, but not so large that it is oversized. Professional BTU load calculations consider square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, and window placement to determine size.
How to Prepare Your Home for Furnace Installation
Evaluate the home before installation day. The quality of insulation has a large impact on heating performance. Homes with subpar insulation lose heat at a faster rate, requiring more furnace operation to make up the difference. Upgrading insulation allows a smaller and more efficient furnace to do the job, reducing energy bills.
Ductwork should also be inspected. Leaks or restricted airflow can decrease efficiency and comfort. Correcting duct issues at the time of installation means the new furnace will run as it should. Salmon HVAC assesses insulation and duct performance before making equipment recommendations.
Selecting the Proper Fuel Type
The type of fuel has a large impact on initial installation cost, efficiency, and long-term operation. Natural gas is the most popular fuel choice for furnaces due to high-efficiency levels, reliability, and lower monthly fuel bills. Electric furnaces have the advantage of easier and less expensive installation but often result in much higher utility costs in winter. Oil furnaces are less common, but still used in some older homes, and typically require more maintenance and higher fuel costs.
Choosing the right fuel type depends on availability, budget, and long-term energy use plans. Weighing these factors can be challenging for homeowners and professional advice and support can help make the right decision.
Why Furnace Installation Should Be Left to Professionals
A furnace should never be installed as a DIY project. Professional installers licensed and insured by the state will ensure that the system meets all safety codes and standards, manufacturer installation requirements, and local building codes for efficiency and safety. Incorrect airflow, improper combustion settings, or subpar electrical connections can have a negative impact on performance, comfort, and safety.
Professional installers also ensure other components like thermostats, venting, and electrical connections are properly configured. Salmon HVAC takes the time to follow best practices for installation to ensure maximum comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance from day one.
Maintaining a Furnace After Installation
Once a furnace is in place, annual maintenance is required to keep it running at peak efficiency. Scheduled inspections can catch small problems before they turn into major and expensive repairs or premature breakdowns. Replacing filters, cleaning vents, and checking thermostat operation are simple things homeowners can do to support consistent performance.
Regularly scheduling professional maintenance usually results in fewer breakdowns, better comfort, and longer furnace life. Maintenance also helps ensure safe operation and protects warranty status.
Conclusion
A furnace installation is a long-term investment that should be well planned and executed by qualified professionals. Every step of the process, from selecting the proper size and AFUE to choosing a qualified and experienced installer, will influence the home’s comfort and energy performance. Homeowners that take the time to learn about the options and requirements and work with an experienced contractor can have reliable and efficient heating for many years. Salmon HVAC offers installation services that are precise, efficient, and provide long-term value.
FAQ
How cold does it get in Centerville, Utah? Does this impact furnace choice?
Cold winter temperatures call for furnaces that have enough heating capacity and high enough efficiency to deliver the required heat without running non-stop and racking up energy bills.
Do homes in UT need high-efficiency furnaces?
High-efficiency furnaces are highly recommended for Utah due to long heating seasons and high energy costs.
How long does it usually take to install a furnace in UT?
The majority of installations are completed in one day. Homes that require ductwork modifications or upgrades can take longer.
Do I need a permit to install a furnace in UT?
Yes. Furnaces require proper permitting and inspection during installation to ensure local building and safety codes are met.
How often should I have my newly installed furnace serviced?
We recommend annual professional maintenance to ensure the system is running safely and efficiently and to maintain warranty coverage.
