Your furnace is old. It’s just not heating the house up to your comfort standards and it’s time for a new one. You’re getting ready to head out to the store to shop around because you just can’t take a cold house any longer. Wait, not so fast! There are a few things you need to know before you begin the process: 
- Type of System: there are two main types of heating systems: packaged and split. Split systems are made up of a condensing unit, furnace and coil and tend to be the more common type of system for homeowners with basements, crawlspaces or attics. For those without extra room, packaged systems are the better option.
- Fuel Source: in addition to the type of system, there are three main fuel sources: gas, oil and electric. When temperatures drop below freezing, natural gas furnaces are the most economical way to heat your home, but you must have access to natural gas. Oil or propane furnaces are powerful as well, but require more room for storage. If you prefer to stay away from gas or oil, electric furnaces will get the job done, but they tend to cause spikes in electric bills.
- Fuel Efficiency: furnace efficiencies are measured using an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Most of the time, you’ll be able to find this rating posted on a yellow “EnergyGuide” label and it will be anywhere from 80 percent to 98.5 percent. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is.
- Zoning: do you find that different rooms of your home get hotter or colder faster than others? If so, you may want to consider having a zoned system installed. This way you can control the heat at different locations to keep your home comfortable.
Want to learn more about the different types of home heating systems? That’s where we come in! The experts at Rusk Heating & Cooling have years of experience under their belts and look forward to helping you find the perfect solution for your home.