What Home Furnace System Type Suits your Needs & The 4 Types

by | Jan 25, 2021 | HVAC

home furnace reading pa

Are you considering upgrading your home furnace system?

Did you know there are 25 or so varieties of home furnace systems? It’s true. Below we cover just a few to get you pointed in the right direction.

1. Natural Gas Furnaces

One of the four main types of furnaces, natural gas systems are cost-efficient options and have come a long way since the 1960s. Newer systems can be up to 98 percent efficient, making this type of home furnace system the most popular option in America. Nearly half of the United States uses natural gas as its preferred energy source.

2. Oil Furnaces

This type of home furnace system is most commonly found in homes and properties in the Northeastern part of the country and are a bit less energy efficient than natural gas systems, averaging 80 to 90 percent efficiency. The benefit of an oil system is that its upfront price tag is less expensive. Natural gas systems typically cost about 25 to purchase.

3. Electric Furnaces

These systems are the most inexpensive to purchase, at about 50 percent of a natural gas furnace. They are also more easily installed and last about 10 years longer than natural gas systems. The downside to an electric home furnace system comes at the price tag to run it, making for expensive monthly electrical bills in the winter months.

4. Propane Furnaces

Propane is easily stored in tanks and is a byproduct of oil and gas production. Only about 10 percent of Americans use propane as a home heating source, but it can be a great option if gas and oil aren’t easily accessible.

Determining Factors when Choosing a Home Furnace System

Aside from cost and efficiency, you’ll also want to consider the following before committing to what kind of furnace system to purchase…

  • Size. You want to be sure the system you purchase is appropriate for the size of your property. This is typically measured in BTUs. It’s best to let a home heating professional help you to determine this.
  • Read reviews. Cheapest doesn’t always mean best. A lower-priced option can become more costly if it breaks down frequently. Read unbiased consumer reviews about home furnace systems you’re considering.
  • Your region’s climate. Is your area seasonal? Do you have several cold winter months, or do you rarely experience below-freezing days? This will help you to determine what system makes the most sense for your home and budget.

Need help deciding on this major, long-term investment? Call our experts at A&T Heating and Air Conditioning in Mohnton, Berks County, PA, at 484-516-1017 or visit us online at www.atheatac.com.

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