So, you’ve taken the plunge and you’ve purchased a new furnace to heat your home this winter. This is a smart choice for these upcoming chilly Oregon months. The fuel type that powers your furnace is just as important as the model of furnace and installation process. Choosing the wrong fuel type can bring a lot of unforeseen consequences along with it. If you need a consultation for your HVAC system in Tigard, OR, contact our amazing team here at Western Heating & Cooling. Our staff is knowledgeable, reliable, and conscientious about their work.
TYPES OF FUEL
You might think that a furnace automatically refers to a natural gas-powered system because these are the most common, however, the term furnace simply refers to any forced air heating system.
- Gasoline: Gas furnaces are the most common type across the United States and one of the best fuel systems to use because of their high efficiency. Gas furnaces can save you lots of money on heating bills and newer gas furnaces operate quietly and deliver heat faster than other systems.
- Electric: Electric furnaces have a smaller installation price than a gas furnace but a higher annual cost to run. These furnaces aren’t recommended for colder climates. In cold climates, they cost even more to operate because they generate heat through electric resistance. which is an energy-intensive process. If your home isn’t compatible with gas-fueled heating, then a technician might recommend a heat pump rather than an electric furnace for your circumstances.
- Oil: Oil run furnaces require heating oil to operate. They don’t run on a natural gas line running into the home. Instead, a local company must deliver the heating oil. Older homes in the Northeast United States typically run on this type of fuel, but many companies urge homeowners to move away from this type of system because it requires so much maintenance with low efficiency.
HOW TO CHOOSE
The first step in choosing the right furnace for your home is understanding the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more heat the furnace can deliver relative to the amount of fuel it consumes. This is where our team at Western Heating & Cooling comes in. We can help AFUE ratings make sense and contextualize these percentages in relation to the unique needs of your home.
It’s more than likely that you’re choosing between a gas or electric furnace if you’re on the market for a new system—oil furnaces are inefficient. Gas and electric furnaces are both highly efficient. There are numerous factors that influence a homeowner’s decision. You shouldn’t hesitate to consult a professional in this matter so that you get the best-fitting system possible.
HAVE WESTERN HEATING & COOLING HELP
Our team at Western Heating & Cooling understands the specific needs of Pacific Northwest homes. We strive to make your space as comfortable as possible and can help you choose the best fuel type for your new furnace.