If you have ever noticed your office’s heating system struggling to keep up during the cold winter months, it may be time to get a new furnace. There are a lot of factors that go into making a good furnace, such as size, cost, and efficiency, and finding the right heater can be a daunting task. The guide below will help you find the best furnace for your needs.
The Types of Furnaces
There are four major types of furnaces, which you should know before you select one:
Natural Gas Furnaces
A natural gas furnace operates in much the same way as your kitchen stove. It works by heating gas and converting it to usable energy. Natural gas furnaces can be more cost effective than electric ones. This is especially true if you already have a natural gas outlet in your office.
A natural gas furnace will ignite the natural gas inside of your furnace’s burner. The heat exchanger inside the furnace heats the cool air from your ducts. The warm air is then pushed into your office space via its ductwork.
A flue is required for a natural gas furnace to allow the exhaust to leave your property. Your building will need to have its flue pipes inspected at least once a year to prevent poisonous gasses from entering.
A gas furnace costs more to purchase than an electric furnace, but because it uses natural gas instead of electricity, it is cheaper to operate. It is also more powerful than an electric furnace.
Electric Furnaces
This type of furnace works by using electrical energy to convert heat into usable energy. This is why your office’s electricity bill typically goes up when you install an electric furnace. These units can be expensive to operate since they rely solely on electricity.
An electric furnace will use an electric motor to create heat. The motor heats a cooling coil, which heats the air surrounding it. This air then moves through ducts into your building’s rooms.
The upside of an electric furnace is that it does not produce any carbon monoxide. This makes it safe to be used in busy offices.
Oil Furnaces
Oil furnaces work by burning oil to produce heat. To do so, a burner ignites oil, which is then separated into two parts: a hot part and a cool part. The hot part is used to heat the air around it, and the cool part is sent back to the burner.
Oil furnaces have a higher burn rate than natural gas ones, ensuring faster heating of offices. Nonetheless, you should keep in mind that oil furnaces require an oil tank, which is often buried near properties.
Propane Furnaces
Although this type of furnace is relatively new, it has become the most popular type because of its safety features. It is also more efficient than an electric furnace, so it can cost you less to heat your building.
Propane furnaces operate similarly to natural gas furnaces, but they do not require flues. It is also possible to install a direct vent on an exterior wall beside a propane unit. This stops the need to have your flue regularly cleaned and inspected. It is also important to note that propane furnaces are more efficient despite being similar to natural gas.
From Single-Stage to Modulating Heat Furnaces: Which Is Best?
In addition to choosing between fuel sources, you also have to consider how many stages you want your furnace to have. There are presently three options available:
1. Single-Stage Heat
Old furnaces use a single-stage heating system, which is quite simple. There is only one size flame with this type, and it is either on or off. When it comes to the thermostat, the device is not very precise, causing the temperature in your office to usually be a couple of degrees off. As it has only one flame setting, it will turn on and off throughout the day as the temperatures fluctuate.
2. Multistage Heat
A multistage type of furnace is more efficient than a single-stage model because it uses two flames to heat the same space — a larger one for colder weather and a smaller one for milder weather.
3. Modulating Heat
This type of furnace uses a thermostat that has numerous settings. It will automatically decide between the two flames and will stop heating when the room is cool enough. Once your heating system has been installed, you need to get it maintained professionally to ensure that it is in the best condition possible. It is a steady heating source that can maintain your office’s temperature.
In comparison, a single-stage thermostat is simpler and cheaper whereas a modulating furnace is the priciest. Consider your budget and needs before you choose a furnace. A smaller office does not require as much heating power as larger offices do. If your office space falls in the middle of the spectrum, a multistage heat furnace may be the perfect fit for you.
To properly install your furnace, you need to contact the experts. Installing a furnace can be a tedious task that requires a qualified professional to do it. Once finished, you need to conduct regular maintenance and keep up with any necessary inspections.
What Is an AFUE Rating?
Most furnaces are graded by their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating reflects how much heat is produced for every dollar spent. The higher the AFUE rating is, the less you spend on fuel.
What Is the Cost for a New Furnace?
The cost of a new furnace will vary depending on its fuel source and the number of stages it has. In addition to its fuel source, you also need to consider whether it is a model with two or three stages. A mid-range, two-stage model will cost you roughly $1,500 to $6,000. However, a three-stage furnace can cost you up to $10,000, depending on its features.
You should also consider the installation cost of your new furnace. This will cost you about $2,000, depending on whether you get a full or partial installation and without factoring any discount.
As it is a big investment, the cost of a new furnace should be justified by its performance. You should also remember to consider the cost of fuel and operating costs.
The Supporting Structures
Ductwork
A furnace will need to be attached to ductwork to distribute the heat evenly throughout your offices. You will want to have a licensed contractor inspect your furnace to ensure it is installed correctly.
Vents
A furnace is dependent on a vent to deliver your office’s heat. You may need to replace your vents if they are broken or warped or have missing flanges. In addition to replacing them, you may also need to adjust their sizes to make sure they match your new furnace.
When deciding on the type of heating system you should get, you need to choose one that caters to your design needs. Most furnaces come in various designs and sizes. Each has its own features and requirements to ensure a high-efficiency heating level.
At Beyer Mechanical, we offer a wide range of heating options that are ideal for your office’s heating needs. We offer consultations if you want to get the best deal on gas furnaces. Our other services include but are not limited to heat pump replacements and installation, emergency furnace repairs, oil and gas replacement services, heating maintenance, and propane heating. Our client-centered approach ensures our customers are given the best possible service and value.
Contact Beyer Mechanical today and get a free quote on your heating needs. We serve businesses in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Austin.
