Every house has a furnace, but how much do you know about a furnace? Read this crash course to find out everything you need to know about heating units!

When should you replace your heating unit?

Our contact at a popular heating service in Chico, CA, told us there are three ways to find out you need a new unit:

  • Your unit’s age is 17+: The lifespan of an average heating unit is 15-20 years. However, once your furnace reaches the 15-year mark, its efficiency slowly drops.
  • Electricity bills: If your electricity bill has doubled in the past two years, the reason is most probably your furnace.
  • Technician: If you’ve faced a furnace-related problem more than five times in the past year, it is time to retire your unit.

If you note any of the mentioned symptoms, then it is time to consider replacing your unit completely rather than repairing it. Your technician will recommend a furnace to you based on your requirements, but you should also know the type of furnace you need.

What are the most common furnace types?

  1. Gas furnace: Almost 51% of households in the US use natural gas furnaces. They’re efficient in heating and are connected to the municipal gas line. They have an efficiency of 65-90%, which means you can expect lower bills.
  2. Electric furnace: Electric furnaces are the second most common type of furnace. They’re most widely used in the Southern states and are portable and efficient. They work on electricity and are not expensive to buy or install.
  3. Oil furnace: Oil furnaces are in use mostly in the Northeast and are best for cities with very cold environments. Oil furnaces cannot be as efficient as gas furnaces but are cheaper than gas furnaces. They’re less popular nowadays due to their health and environmental hazards.
  4. Propane furnace: You can only install propane furnaces with special chimneys or air ventilation systems. They’re mostly used in rural areas or cities with unreliable power supplies. However, propane furnaces require high maintenance and inspections.

Factors the technician considers while recommending a unit

Most technicians prefer inspecting your homes and ventilation systems. This helps them decide on the type of furnace to recommend.

Here are some of the factors that a technician will consider:

  • Fuel source: As mentioned above, different types of furnaces are common in different parts of the country. Depending upon your location, the technician will recommend a furnace type.
  • AFUE rating: AFUE rating determines the efficiency of the unit in converting fuel to heat. Higher the rating, the more the efficiency. AFUE rating also makes a difference in the price of the unit.
  • Size: The size of your house is the deciding factor. A house with more room requires a bigger unit to maintain temperature.

Should you call a technician?

Yes! Call a technician and ask them to recommend a heating unit. Most heating services in Chico, CA, will help you decide on a furnace or heating unit for your home. However, we recommend calling the best: Alternative Heating and Air. Their experienced and trained professionals can help you find the best unit for your home. We also offer heating repair in Chico CA, furnace service in Chico CA, heating installation in Chico CA