These Terms Are Good To Know When Shopping For A New Furnace

Shopping for a new furnace can be really exciting. Especially if your old furnace was inefficient and struggling to heat your home, the prospect of having a brand-new, highly efficient, entirely functional furnace can bring a smile to your face. But before you can have a new furnace installed, you'll need to consult with an HVAC installer and choose a furnace to have installed. Knowing the following terms will help you have better discussions with the HVAC contractor and make a wise choice.

AFUE

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This is a value that refers to the percent of fuel that the furnace actually converts to heat over a one-year period of time. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the furnace. So, aim to pick a furnace with a high AFUE.

Blower Unit

This is the part of the furnace that actually blows the heated air through your home. It's also known as the whole-house fan. Your furnace and air conditioner can share a blower unit.

NATE

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. It's an organization that certifies HVAC technicians. It is often wise to have a NATE-certified technician install your new furnace.

Plenum

This is the main duct chamber. A furnace usually blows air into a main plenum. Depending on the furnace you choose, your HVAC contractor may have to move or adjust your plenum. This will add to the cost of installation. For this reason, people often choose furnaces that do not require changes to their plenum.

Two-Speed

A two-speed furnace is one that can blow air out at two speeds. It will use its lower speed on average days and will kick into high speed on the coldest days when it needs more heat. This will help save energy.

Condensing

A condensing furnace is one that collects the vapor that is generated when the heating fuel is burned. It condenses this vapor, which releases more heat. Condensing furnaces are more efficient than non-condensing furnaces. However, they do need to be connected to a drain since they give off moisture.

Chances are, your furnace technician will use several of these terms when discussing your new furnace options. If they use any other terms you do not understand, feel free to stop them and ask them to define those terms. HVAC contractors usually want their customers to understand what they are buying and why.

Talk to a local HVAC contractor to learn more.