Ohio can experience some extremely cold temperatures in the winter months, so you want to ensure you and your family can stay warm. A furnace is the perfect solution, but you need to find the right one.
There are several different types, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding each type will help you make the best choice based on your needs.
In this guide, we’ll go over the different types of furnaces to give you an idea of how they work. We’ll also cover some other important factors that could affect your decision. Keep reading for more.
Types of Furnaces
Furnaces can vary significantly, but the fuel source is the biggest difference that you need to think about. Some may simply not be viable for you which could help you narrow things down a bit. You should consider all of the options available to you so you can determine what would work best.
Natural Gas
Natural gas furnaces are the most popular type throughout the US. With that in mind, a gas furnace needs to be connected to a municipal gas line to work. As such, they may not be viable in some situations.
Gas furnaces tend to have a higher installation cost than other types, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most expensive overall. They’re a relatively energy-efficient furnace type with lower operational costs. In the long run, they can end up costing less than other types of furnaces.
One potential drawback is a safety risk that isn’t present with other furnaces. These run on CO2 and could leak if there’s a malfunction.
CO2 is odorless and colorless, making it impossible to detect without a CO2 alarm. It’s very harmful, and can potentially be fatal. If you opt for a gas furnace, make sure you keep a CO2 alarm close to it in case it leaks at all.
Electricity
Electric furnaces are another popular option, and they tend to be a bit less expensive to install than gas furnaces. The operation is fairly similar, so swapping from one to the other shouldn’t cause you any issues.
The main benefit of going for an electric furnace is that they’re easy to fuel. All you need is an electricity supply, so you don’t need to connect it to a gas line and there’s no need to keep restocking in fuel.
Propane
The overall operation of a propane furnace is similar to a gas or electric furnace. The key difference is that these aren’t connected to a constant fuel supply.
Instead, they use propane canisters. On the downside, you need to remember to replace these so you don’t end up running out. It’s a good idea to keep some stored away so you can swap the old one out for a new one as soon as it’s empty.
The benefit of this is that they’re more versatile, and can be placed almost anywhere. This makes them a popular choice for cabins and camper vans. They work similarly to the two above but don’t need to be connected to a continuous fuel source.
Installation is generally quite cheap compared to gas furnaces. They are, however, less efficient. In the long run, they can work out to be a more expensive solution.
Oil
Oil furnaces are less expensive to install, but they’re still generally less popular than other types. Bear in mind that they’re also somewhat inefficient, which is a crucial factor for a lot of people.
They tend to require more maintenance than other furnaces. This can result in higher costs in the long term.
When they’re kept in good shape, however, oil furnaces can last for decades. You won’t need to worry about replacing one any time soon which can balance the cost and prevent a lot of hassle.
One key thing to remember is that you need to ensure the oil tank is ready. The furnace may dry up if the tank is empty, and this can cause damage to the system.
Wood
Despite being arguably the most traditional type of furnace, these are fairly uncommon. They’re fairly cheap to install, but they’re also the least efficient option available.
People tend to avoid wood furnaces as they take more work than other types. You need to have wood stored so you don’t run out. You also need to consistently add more to the furnace to keep it going.
It’s worth noting that there are some models available that use wood as the primary fuel source and another type as a backup. This can be a good choice, but many people prefer a furnace with a different primary fuel source.
Other Factors to Consider Before Installing a Furnace
The fuel type may be the main thing you think about for your new heating solution, but it’s not the only differentiator. There are several other factors that you can consider to help you find the perfect furnace for your home.
Cost
Set an initial budget so you know what your price limit is. This is generally the first thing you should think about, as it may determine what your options are.
Don’t forget to also think about operating and maintenance costs. While one type of furnace may be a cheap option now, it could cost you more in the long term.
Furnace Size
You want to get a furnace that’s a suitable size for your home. If it’s too small or too large, it may be inefficient and won’t heat your home as it should.
A professional HVAC company such as Cosby Heating & Cooling can help with this. By assessing your home we can recommend the most suitable options for maximum efficiency.
Additional Features
You may want to take advantage of modern features such as multi-stage operation and variable speed blowers. While these offer additional benefits, they can also increase the price, so discuss these with our team before you buy a furnace.
Your New Furnace
With so many types of furnaces, it can be difficult to know what the right choice is. Cosby Heating & Cooling offers furnace installation and various other heating and cooling services in Fredericktown, OH.
We’ll be able to give you advice and guidance that will help you pick the perfect furnace for your home. Contact us today for your free quote.
