Furnaces

Buying a furnace is a big investments you make for your home, and is a decision that you will live with for the next 15 years. This decision can literally be the difference between a comfortable, energy efficient home, and a gas guzzling, problematic system that doesn't heat your home properly. This decision can be complicated, but Donnelly Heating & Air Conditioning can help you out.

Selecting the right contractor

Safe and proper venting, wiring, and ductwork sizing are just a few of the things that are custom designed and fabricated specifically for your home. These and many other components play a significant part of your heating system's efficiency, life expectancy, noise, and ability to heat your home. In fact, recent studies show that as much as 90% of brand new systems are installed wrong, which either shortens the life of the system or costs you more in gas bills.

Furnace Size

Besides the installation, Donnelly will select the correct size of your furnace. Size does matter, but bigger isn't always better. A furnace that is too small will not adequately heat your home, but a furnace that is too big will overheat and short-cycle (frequently turns on and off). This can prematurely damage your furnace and wear out the components, will not heat and humidify your home evenly, and will also mean that you paid too much for a furnace size that you did not need.

Furnace Efficiency

Furnace efficiency is measured in AFUE and is just like the miles per gallon rating for your car's gas mileage. Higher AFUE means you pay less money to heat your home. There are two basic categories of furnaces available today, standard efficiency furnaces (80% efficient) and high efficiency furnaces (90-96.6% efficient). High efficiency furnaces cost several hundred dollars more, initially, but save hundreds of dollars each year in reduced gas bills. High efficiency furnaces cannot be installed in all homes though, so just ask and we'll let you know if your home is a good candidate.

Remember, even though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills. Also consider regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system to prevent future problems and unwanted costs.