Furnace Prices – Going Beyond the Numbers

Before you head out and shop for a furnace, it’s important to know the different types of equipment available in the market. This will help you figure out what to look for aside from furnace prices. With a variety of products in the market, it can be overwhelming.

A furnace varies widely depending on how it operates – how it produces heat, its energy source, and how it is installed. Instead of being too technical, defining its fuel source is easier enough to figure.

One of the first furnaces introduced, and is still available to this day, is the oil furnace. It is equipped with a tank where oil is stored and drawn into the furnace. This type of furnace is fuel-efficient and easily heats up. Take note though that oil is expensive and emits a certain odor in the entire home. When going for an oil furnace, you may want to look into a feature that offers effective air filtering.

You may also want to look at wood furnaces. This is one of the oldest types of heating equipment around, mostly installed outside the house. Modern design has found a way to showcase wood-burning equipment as a design element in houses, bringing in form and function through fireplaces and other portable stove. One of the main considerations when buying a wood furnace is wood storage. For uninterrupted warmth in your home, you’ll have to store a huge amount of wood, which should be stored in a dry place. This should definitely be factored when taking note of furnace prices.

On the other hand, gas furnaces do not require as much huge storage space compared to wood. Gas furnaces use either natural gas or liquefied propane; the former considered to be the least expensive fuel for heating equipment. Don’t forget to compare costs of installation, as gas furnaces are more expensive to mount.

Probably the most convenient of all furnaces is the electric type. Electric furnace does not require pipes or fuel tank installations and maintenance is relatively cheap. Most appliances nowadays are equipped with digital controls that free you from worrying about your house catching fire. The only point to look into is the cost of electricity added to your bill.

Doing your own research is important so as not to be lured into purchasing a furnace that is not fitted to your home requirements. Furnace equipment is designed to last for an average of 15-20 years. Going beyond furnace prices alone and knowing the types of equipment will help you make a better buying decision.