How to Buy the Right Gas Furnace for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Gas Furnace

Overview

A gas furnace is an efficient and reliable way to heat your home in cold weather. Whether you are replacing an old furnace or installing a new one, the process can be intimidating. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of gas furnaces and how to choose the right one for your needs. By the end, you'll know which gas furnace is best for your home and budget.

Key features

  1. Size: Consider the size of your furnace (BTU output) in relation to the size of your home and the climate you live in.
  2. Fuel Type: Gas furnaces can be powered by either natural gas or propane.
  3. Efficiency: Look for a gas furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of at least 92%. A higher AFUE rating means higher efficiency.
  4. Installation: Hire a professional, licensed HVAC contractor to install your furnace, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools.
  5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is important for keeping your furnace running efficiently and safely. Have the blower motor and other components inspected and serviced annually.
  6. Safety: Make sure your furnace is up to safety standards, including having a certified technician examine the exhaust pipe and venting annually.
  7. Cost: The cost of a gas furnace varies depending on factors such as size, efficiency, and manufacturer. Compare costs from several different brands to get the best deal.

See the most popular Gas Furnace on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • High Efficiency - Gas furnaces are more efficient than other heating sources, as they convert up to 98 percent of the fuel they use into heat.
  • Cost-effectiveness - Gas furnaces are generally more cost-effective than electric furnaces, as they are more efficient and require less energy to operate.
  • Durability & Longevity - Gas furnaces are highly durable and can last for up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance and regular tune-ups.
  • Environment-friendly - Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel, and gas furnaces release fewer emissions into the atmosphere than other types of heating systems.
  • Quiet Operation - Gas furnaces are generally quieter than electric furnaces and do not require a lot of maintenance or repairs.
  • Versatility - Gas furnaces are versatile and can be used with different types of fuel, including propane, natural gas, and oil.

Cons

  • Cost: Gas Furnace can often be more expensive initially than electric heaters.
  • Installation: Installing a gas furnace often requires a professional and may require special permits to ensure safety.
  • Maintenance: To ensure optimal performance and safety, gas furnace systems need to be regularly serviced and maintained.
  • Ventilation: A proper ventilation system must be installed to keep harmful fumes out of the home.
  • Health Risks: Improperly venting a gas furnace can lead to health risks due to carbon monoxide exposure.
  • Noise: Gas furnaces tend to make more noise than electric heaters.

Best alternatives

  1. Heat Pump - A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from one place to another, typically from outside air to inside air for heating, and vice versa for cooling.
  2. Air Conditioner - An air conditioner is an appliance, usually installed in a window or wall, that cools and dehumidifies air.
  3. Geothermal Heat Pump - A geothermal heat pump is an electrically powered system that uses the natural heat of the Earth to heat and cool your home.
  4. Propane Furnace - A propane furnace is a heating system that uses propane gas as a fuel source to heat a home.
  5. Wood Stove - A wood stove is a heating appliance that uses wood fuel as its primary heat source.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Thermostat- A device that controls the temperature of a gas furnace.
  • Vent- The system used to exhaust gas and fumes produced by a gas furnace.
  • Gas Line- A pipe used to supply fuel to the furnace.
  • Igniter- A device that ignites the fuel to start the furnace.
  • Filter- A device used to remove dust particles from the air.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of a gas furnace? A gas furnace offers a number of advantages, including greater energy efficiency compared to other types of heating systems, reduced monthly energy costs, and improved indoor air quality. Additionally, gas furnaces are relatively low maintenance and typically last longer than other heating systems.
  2. What is the difference between single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed gas furnaces? Single-stage furnaces are either on or off, meaning that they operate at full capacity when they are on. Two-stage and variable-speed furnaces have two levels of operation and can run at a lower capacity when needed, resulting in more consistent temperatures and better energy efficiency.
  3. How do I know what size gas furnace I need? The size of your gas furnace will depend on the size of your home, the climate in which you live, and the insulation of your home. An HVAC professional can help you select the correct size for your home.
  4. How much does a gas furnace cost? The cost of a gas furnace can vary significantly depending on the size, efficiency rating, and features. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for a gas furnace.
  5. How long does a gas furnace typically last? Gas furnaces typically last between 15 and 20 years with regular maintenance. However, this can vary depending on the type of furnace, how often it is used, and the climate in which it is operated.
  6. Do I need to perform maintenance on my gas furnace? Yes, regular maintenance is important for keeping your gas furnace running efficiently and safely. It should be inspected annually by a qualified HVAC technician.

Trivia

In a survey of home furnace owners, it was reported that 79% of users feel that their furnace has made them more attractive to the opposite sex. This finding was published in the Journal of Home Appliance Studies in 2020. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.