PROPERTYSPARK ARTICLE

How to Choose the Right Furnace

Lakewood’s Climate

Lakewood’s temperatures can go as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit during winter. So, it is no surprise that the area gets an average snowfall of 67 inches. Even though the winters here are usually mild, it is good to be prepared for the cold days.

When the temperature drops below freezing, you want your furnace to be powerful enough to provide heating without increasing your utility bills too much.

You should also keep Lakewood’s altitude in mind, as the thin air can cause some furnaces to struggle with performance. This means you must opt for a more powerful system for efficient heating.

Types of Furnaces to Choose From

There are several options to choose from. These include:

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are very popular, especially in Colorado households. These furnaces are efficient at providing reliable heat. They also last long and do not require extensive maintenance. The best part is that they heat up quickly.

However, you should remember that gas furnaces are not as energy efficient as you would like them. This is especially true for older models. They are also not the best choice for your home’s carbon footprint, as natural gas is a fossil fuel.

Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces are known to produce high heat independently from the electrical grid. If the power goes out, you will still have a heat source during winter.

If you choose an oil furnace, you must get fuel delivered regularly. The cost of the fuel may fluctuate according to oil prices. If you are replacing another type of furnace with an oil furnace, you must also install a venting system. This is mainly because oil furnaces produce emissions.

Like older gas furnaces, oil furnaces are also not energy-efficient.

Electric Furnaces

Most people seem to prefer electric furnaces to both oil and gas furnaces these days. The biggest advantage of an electric furnace is that it is more energy-efficient and lasts very long.

Plus, electric furnaces produce less emissions compared to the other options. Electricity is the way to go if you want a purely eco-friendly option. Moreover, electric furnaces do not pose any combustible fuel risks, making them the safer option.
Remember that you will pay more in energy bills with all these benefits. Electric furnaces are usually slower when it comes to heating your home.

Propane Furnaces

A propane furnace may work better for your home if you live in a rural part of Lakewood or elsewhere in Colorado. Propane furnaces are portable and do not require a connection to a gas line. Propane also burns cleaner, producing fewer emissions than other furnace options.

Still, the propane fuel cost fluctuates, which is something to keep in mind. You will also require a venting system to ensure your home is rid of combustion byproducts.

Furnace Speed Settings

You can also choose different speed settings when looking for a furnace replacement.

Single-stage furnaces run at one speed until they reach the desired temperature. Because these furnaces only have an on and off setting, they are the cheapest option and are fairly easy to install.

Two-stage furnaces have two-speed settings: full and half-speed. These settings provide more even heating for your home.

Variable-speed furnaces are the most accurate of the three options. This means you can set accurate temperatures in each room. While variable-speed furnaces are more expensive upfront, they are highly energy-efficient over time, saving you money.

Professional Installation Is Essential

Once you have decided on the type of furnace you want, you should hire a professional HVAC technician to install it. A licensed professional can ensure your unit is the right size and is configured for Lakewood conditions.

An HVAC expert is also familiar with the regulations and laws regarding furnace installation. Combining the right furnace with expert installation services will make your home warm and cozy winter after winter. You will also have fewer repairs to worry about, and your furnace will likely require minimal maintenance.