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As you look for a new furnace that will heat your Springfield home during the winter, you will come across six main categories of units. Choosing the right one requires you to think about your budget as well as energy efficiency and other factors. At Jco Heating A/C Electrical, we help homeowners like you find the best heaters for their short-term and long-term needs.

Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps

Before we delve into the different types of furnaces for a particular house in Springfield, we want to explain the differences between furnaces and heat pumps. Furnaces are the most common type of equipment, and these units rely on a forced-air design to deliver heated air throughout your home. A furnace is designed to only deliver heated air and cannot be used to cool your house. Heat pumps, on the other hand, provide heating and cooling for your residence. If you are not sure if your HVAC system has a forced-air furnace or heat pump, we can help.

1. Single-Stage Furnaces

For forced-air furnaces, most have a single-stage design that runs at full capacity when it is operating to heat your home. Single-stage furnaces often cause uneven temperatures, and these are considered the less energy-efficient option. It is, though, the most affordable for Springfield homeowners with a limited budget for replacing an old furnace.

2. Two-Stage Furnaces

Two-stage furnace designs tend to maintain consistent temperatures throughout a house and operate more efficiently compared to single-stage designs. These units work by running at full capacity when you need to achieve a significant difference in the indoor temperature, such as when you raise the temperature on the thermostat by five degrees or more. Once the initial temperature is reached, the unit runs at a lower capacity to maintain the desired temperature.

3. Variable Speed Furnaces

Variable-speed furnaces offer energy efficiency and good indoor air quality. The fan on the unit runs continuously to circulate and filter air, and these units do the best job at maintaining temperatures that are set on the thermostat. Variable-speed furnaces do have the highest upfront costs, but they are the most energy-efficient.

4. Electric Furnaces

When you are looking for a new furnace for your Springfield house, fuel type should also be considered. You can change the fuel type if you want to maximize energy efficiency and have the budget to switch up the type of furnace you own. Electric furnaces are the most affordable units, but they can be more expensive to operate compared to oil and natural gas units.

5. Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces are typically found in more rural areas where natural gas is not available. These units require some type of storage tank for the oil. The benefits of oil furnaces are that they tend to have long lifespans and are affordable for homeowners who have limited budgets for upfront costs. Oil furnaces do require regular maintenance, such as removing the buildup of ash and soot that collects around the unit. You may also experience indoor air quality problems with an oil furnace. The cost of operating an oil furnace in your Springfield home can be somewhat unpredictable because oil prices do change regularly.

6. Gas Furnaces

Natural gas furnaces are the most common type of heating unit in the Springfield area. These units are extremely reliable and offer around 97% energy efficiency. Natural gas tends to be more affordable compared to electricity, and the cost is also more stable compared to oil for heating your residence.

Other Considerations for a New Furnace

In addition to operation and fuel source, there are some other factors to consider when purchasing a new heater. You need to make sure that the unit has the right capacity for your heating needs during the winter. Additionally, your existing HVAC equipment and ductwork should be properly designed and in good shape for the new unit to provide the highest level of energy efficiency. The experts at Jco Heating A/C Electrical can help you along the way.

Find the Best Furnace for Your Home

Since 2002, Jco Heating A/C Electrical has provided expert heating, cooling, and electrical services to residents of Springfield and the surrounding areas. We are a family-owned and -operated business that understands the importance of reliable, professional HVAC products and services that fit within your budget. If you are looking for a new air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, we can help. Be sure to ask about our electrical services as well. Contact Jco Heating A/C Electrical for more information.