When your furnace breaks down, you can feel a bit panicked and wind up making snap decisions about a replacement. Sure time is of the essence when it’s the middle of winter and you’re without heat, but a rushed decision could leave you with an inefficient furnace, an improperly heated home, or a future disaster. The best way to avoid this is to educate yourself on the things you should avoid when purchasing a new furnace.

Don’t Just Go for the Lowest Price

Low price can often mean lesser value or quality. In reality, you would save more in the long run by purchasing a high efficiency system that may cost slightly more than some other systems. Take heating systems made by Lennox, for instance. A Lennox furnace could actually save you a few hundred dollars a year in energy costs, and these savings will add up over the average 15-year life span of a furnace.

Don’t Ignore the SEER Rating

A Seasonal Energy Efficiency or SEER rating determines how efficient a furnace will be. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit, which means your energy costs will be lower. A rating of 16 or higher is considered high efficiency, and may lower you energy costs by as much as half.

Don’t Just Get One Estimate

The options and prices for a new furnace will vary, as well as installation costs, service contracts, and permits. Shopping around is the best way to receive the best price and best service possible. However, you won’t go wrong if you choose to purchase a Lennox furnace from a reputable HVAC service provider, like Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning.

Don’t Forget to Consider the Maintenance Contract

To keep a furnace operating at peak condition, it must receive regular maintenance. Debris, dirt, and other substances can build up in a system over time, which can erode electrical connections, cause blockages, and damage to certain components. Damaged parts can be expensive to replace. The SEER rating of an improperly maintained unit can also drop significantly, causing energy bills to skyrocket. A good maintenance contract will ensure that your unit is properly maintained and serviced every year.

Simplify your search for the right furnace by doing a bit of research and knowing what to avoid. What you learn will save time and money, and prevent you from purchasing the wrong unit for your home.

In the market for a new furnace? We sell heating systems from Lennox, a top manufacturer in the industry. Give us a call and we’ll help you find the perfect furnace for your home and budget.