"A furnace that is too large leaves gaps in temperature as it turns on until it overwhelms the thermostat," Coulson says. "The house ends up cooling down until the next cycle and creates an inconsistent temperature."
A furnace that is the right size for the space will be able to better regulate a constant temperature.
Price is not the number-one factor you should consider when buying a furnace. Annual operating costs for whatever furnaces you are thinking of should be your main concern, Coulson says.
Efficiencies, however, can vary drastically depending on price, which means that if you pay more up front now, you'll still enjoy lower heating bills 10 or 15 years later, he says.
Here's one thing that seems to trip up most of the readers of this column: purchase agreements and warranty information.
Any reputable installer or manufacturer will be sure to not only include the purchase agreement and warranty information but also explain exactly what you are getting. If you feel confused or unsure about anything, don't be afraid to ask.
And if you are buying a house, get copies of these documents from the seller, as well as the name and phone number of the installer or the company that maintains the furnace.
This assumes, of course, that the furnace was correctly installed and properly maintained. You cannot assume that all installers know their job, but it is safe to say that people who this for a living are usually more reliable than the do-it-yourselfer.
Regular maintenance, generally in the fall, will keep the furnace performing like it should, keep your family warm, and lower your energy bills.
Question: My husband and I live in a 60-year-old house with plaster walls and ceilings throughout.
