Air Filtration

If air filtration is especially important to you, or perhaps a necessity in some cases with allergies, you should consider getting this add-on. It’s a great way to increase the performance and function of your furnace. While some gas furnaces come with an electrostatic filter, others come with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) filter. The electrostatic filter using electrical charges to attract particles, whereas the HEPA furnace filter works be reducing the amount of dust that goes into the heating system.

gas furnace terms air filter

Correct Installation

Regardless of whether your furnace is high end or just the generic, off the shelf type furnace, if you don’t have it correctly installed, it’s not worth anything. Make sure to have a licensed, Winnipeg heating professional install your new gas furnace. That way, you know it’s being done right, and you’ll have recourse if anything bad should happen with the fault lying in the installation. It’s important to have professional Winnipeg heating company install your new high efficiency gas furnace, as you will eliminate risks to your family, friends and pets.

When you do make the purchase of a high efficiency gas furnace, make sure that it’s the right size for your home and the BTU output is optimal. Having a furnace that is either too big or too small can lead to damage in the long run.

Dual Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is what products heat from burning gas. High-efficiency gas furnaces have a primary heat exchanger and a supplemental heat exchanger for producing more heat from the same quantity of gas. Normally, the second heat exchanger is made from stainless steel, or is lined with hard plastic, to minimize the negative effects of corrosive acidic condensates.

ECM Motors

ECM motors allow your gas furnace to function at a higher level of efficiency by using less fuel. ECM motors are known to use 70% less energy, according to Natural Resources Canada. Moreover, ECM motors is not that loud, relatively, to the noise a single stage furnace generates, as they have louder air bursts from the blowers going on and off. If you are looking for a gas furnace with an ECM motor, you can expect to pay more upfront, but know that you will probably make it back in energy savings. When considering the return on your investment, if you have the money available, an ECM motor will result in better long-term savings.

Ignition System

The gas furnace ignition system ensures that the furnace can respond rapidly to temperature changes, making sure you home stays warm and comfortable. Make sure you look for a gas furnace with a hot-surface ignition system.

Modulating Burners

Modulating burners allow the furnace to adjust to changes in temperature, which gives Winnipeg homeowners more control for the overall temperature of their home. More often than not, modulating burners can be found in higher tier furnaces, which means that you have to pay more for this feature. On the bright side, you will make it back and then some with the long term energy savings.

Noise-Reducing Features

Noise-reducing features for gas furnaces include:

  • ECM Motor
  • Variable Speed
  • Two-Stage
  • Modulating

Reliability

Living in Winnipeg, you know how much reliability is important. When it hits minus forty Celsius, you want a furnace that can keep you and your family warm, as well as not allowing your pipes to freeze. A Winnipeg heating company should be able to help you choose the right furnace for your home and the right BTU for your heating system. Reliability also comes down to having the furnace installed properly, and that it’s adequately maintained.

Variable-speed blowers

When the furnace doesn’t need to produce as much heat, variable-speed blowers deliver air slowly to produce a more consistent indoor temperature. Plus, it does so with less noise.

Warranty Coverage

Make sure you pay special attention to what is covered under the furnace warranty.

Specifically:

  • Parts
    • Regular service and maintenance is important to ensure that your high-efficiency natural gas furnace is running properly. Keep in mind that, even with consistent maintenance, parts can and will fail over time.
  • Heat Exchanger
    • A bad heat exchanger is one of the costliest elements to repair. It’s important to ensure that whichever brand you choose has a heat exchanger warranty that protects you from a costly repair.
  • Time/Years
    • Furnaces usually last around ten years, so make sure your warranty covers you for all or most of that.
  • Registration
    • Make sure to register your new furnace once installation is complete. Some manufacturers have a specified number of days in which you have to register (normally around 90 days). Not registering may result in a null and void warranty.

Looking for a furnace repair or installation?

At Dean’s Plumbing & Heating, we have you covered when it comes to affordable rates and guaranteed workmanship.

Contact us for your furnace install.