Selecting a furnace with a wide dealer network availability in your area means that you are more likely to get a good deal on your furnace, and you will have more options for getting your furnace repaired later on.

Since manufacturers only sell their products to certain distributors who get the necessary training to install and work on that particular brand, you will need to do a little shopping around to get the brand you want. In your area, there might only be a few companies that can get you the furnace you are looking for. All brands are made a little differently, which is why manufacturers are so strict about who is able to install their products.

FUEL TYPE

Furnaces can run on a variety of different fuels including electricity, oil, propane, or natural gas. Every home and household has different needs. For homes with a gas line, a gas furnace will probably be the most cost-effective option. If you don’t have a gas line in your home, you will need a different kind of furnace. Electric-powered heat pumps tend to be the most efficient options for homes that don’t have a gas line. However, it is possible that a different type of furnace is better for your specific needs.

WARRANTIES

In a perfect world, your furnace would never need any work done to it, but we all know that some could go wrong at any time. While parts warranties tend to look the same across all furnace brands, it is important to remember to consider the labor warranties. Labor warranties are left up to the company who installs your furnace. It is a good idea to shop around for a company that offers the furnace brand you are interested in and has a labor warranty that protects you and your furnace. That’s why it is so important to use a reputable HVAC company.

You will want to carefully review all of the stipulations of the labor warranty before making a purchase. Many of these warranties require appropriate maintenance and care of the furnace to keep the warranty valid. Should you not keep up with the stipulations of the contract, the HVAC company can render the warranty invalid and refuse to cover the costs of labor. This is why it is best to have the installing HVAC company perform maintenance checks on your furnace.

LOCATION OF MANUFACTURE

While it may not seem like a big deal anymore a lot of consumers like to know where their products are made. Many manufacturers outsource labor to other countries, which some Americans dislike because it takes jobs out of the country. However, does the country of manufacture affect the quality of the product?

Some furnace manufacturers use labor in foreign countries to produce their less expensive products, while their higher tier furnaces are built in the United States. Other manufacturers make all of their products in the good ‘ole U.S.A. Generally, the country of origin can’t determine the quality of the furnace and its parts, but labor warranties tend to be better for products made in the United States.

If you are concerned about your furnace’s country of origin, we recommend doing a little extra research on furnaces before you purchase them.

EFFICIENCY

High-efficiency furnace models are the best option for many homeowners, because they can save a lot of energy and money over time. While they are a little costlier upfront, these furnace models can save you up to 40 percent off on your fuel bills when compared to your old, less efficient system.

Old furnaces are probably no more than 80 percent efficient. Newer models could be 95 percent efficient or more. If your furnace is more than ten or 15 years old, it might be time to update it based on efficiency levels alone. However, if it still works, you may want to hold onto it. It is all based on personal preference.