A FURNACE FOR YOUR HOME

Information and Reviews of Home Furnaces, Including Types, Brands, Prices


If a new furnace is in your future, here's information you can use to help you decide on the furnace that's best for your home and your budget. This is a major expenditure, costing anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, so you'll want to be sure you have one that will keep you warm in the winter, be dependable, and that will last you for many years. The type of furnace you choose will depend largely on what is already installed, unless you want to spend even more money totally revamping your heating system. It will also depend on the type of heat (gas, electric, oil) that is the most available in your area. It will be easier and undoubtedly cheaper to replace your current furnace with a similar one. What you'll also need information about, besides the furnace itself, is the installation. This is a pretty big project, and unless you are a truly gifted handyman with lots of patience and skill, furnace installation should be left to the professionals. We'll also include a bit of information about finding an installation expert, too. It's important to do your homework before you commit to a furnace and installation. This article will help you with your choices.


Furnace Makers, Furnace Types

The major types of furnaces include gas, electric, and oil. Oil furnaces are prevalent in the northeastern part of the United States, while gas is used frequently in the western part of the country. Heating with electricity is found throughout all parts of the country, and the cost of heating with electricity may be more stable than with the other two fuel types. Another thing to consider is the AFUE rating. It's an acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The higher the rating, the more fuel efficient it is. If the AFUE rating is 90%, this means that 90% of the fuel is being used to heat your home, the other 10% escapes as exhaust. Top furnace brands include Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, and Goodman. We'll include information on some of these brands below. A good web site to locate more information is Buyfurnace.org

  • Carrier
    Carrier is a top maker of gas and oil furnaces, according to Buyfurnace.org. Infinity, Performance, and Comfort are the names of the furnace models for gas furnaces. Most gas furnaces by Carrier feature AFUE ratings in the 90's. Oil furnace ratings are in the 80's. Oil furnace models are Performance and Comfort.
  • Bryant
    Also makes gas and oil furnaces. Like the Carrier furnaces, Bryant's gas furnace models have AFUE ratings in the 90's, with oil furnace ratings in the 80's. Their furnace models include several models under the Evolution name, as well as models titled Preferred and Legacy. Oil furnace models include Preferred and Legacy.
  • Trane
    Trane makes ten different gas furnaces and two oil furnaces to choose from. Consulting with their dealers should give you several choices of furnaces that will work for you. Trane furnaces are the least repair-prone models, and most popular among contractors surveyed by ConsumerSearch. Estimated installed costs are between $3,600 to $4,400 for a Trane furnace.
  • Lennox
    Another well-known and top-rated brand of furnace makers is Lennox. They make both gas (eight models) and oil furnaces (three models) with AFUE ratings of 80% to 96%. The Dave Lennox SignatureŽ Collection G61V Variable Speed Gas Furnace is touted as the quietest furnace you can buy and has an AFUE rating of 95%. The three oil furnaces have AFUE ratings of 82 and 83%.

Furnace Installation

Perhaps the most important part of your new furnace is the installation process. This is one appliance you really don't want to install yourself. In fact, many warranties are invalidated if the installer is not a licensed HVAC contractor. Some sources we researched recommend that you select an installer before you select your furnace. The furnace contractor can look at your current system, venting and duct systems and advise you on the best furnace to fit your home. It is recommended that you get bids from at least three installation experts before deciding on the person who will be responsible for your furnace installation. As you work with the furnace installer, he will recommend the best furnaces for your situation. Then you can decide on which one you want to purchase and have installed, based on his recommendations and your budget.

Final Thoughts


Buying a new furnace and having it installed is a pretty major expense, so it's important to research carefully before making this purchase. We recommend contacting an HVAC installation expert first. He can guide you towards the right furnace for your home. If you buy too small a furnace, your home will not be heated properly. Too large a furnace will result in wasted resources and more money spent heating your home that isn't needed. Your furnace should last you many years before needing replacement.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes