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Furnace size should match the size of the home. A house that has a bigger area and multiple rooms may need larger furnaces. HVAC specialists usually advise their clients to first measure the square footage of each room, determine the areas that need heating, and select the furnace accordingly.

Aside from the size of the house, local weather conditions can also affect the type of furnace one needs. Different regions usually have different architectural preferences for homes, corresponding to the temperature and climate of the location. A well-insulated home may require less heating, while homes in colder regions may need larger furnaces to provide the right amount of heating for the residents.

For efficiency, you will have to perform two maintenance tasks each year--one for your cooling system before winter, and another for your furnace before summer. This is to ensure that you have a cooling or heating system readily available right when you need it. It will also help you identify any problems on your heating system and get them fixed before it’s too late.

Inspect your indoor and outdoor units for damage or malfunction. Check each component and find out whether they can still stand another winter or if they need to be replaced. From coil and cabinets to fan and fan blades, your search for mechanical issues must be thorough as your survival in the next cold season will depend on it.

However, given the dangers of mercury to the human body upon contact, various states have banned these types of thermostats. In 2008, under House Bill 443, which was signed into law in 2007, Ohio banned the sale and installation of mercury thermostats. It also initiated programs to encourage replacement by offering incentives.

Removing the old thermostat is a DIY job, but the mercury inside can make things a bit difficult. Exercise caution when removing mercury thermostats to prevent the mercury-filled tube inside from breaking and leaking. Label the wires with the correct terminal designation to serve as your reference when installing the new thermostat later. Masking tape labels will do.

Be it a gas or an oil furnace, choosing either one is an important decision. Knowing the pros and cons of each furnace type should help you choose between them.

Gas Furnace

If you’re still freezing inside the house even with the furnace on maximum temperature, you might be thinking it’s time for a replacement. How do you know for sure? Below are a few things to help you determine if a replacement is called for:

Age of the Furnace

Like all appliances, wear and tear will hamper your furnace’s efficiency. Typical models last around 16-20 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its service life, you should start looking for a replacement. Do not wait for the furnace to break down before shopping around; if you’re looking to get a new one immediately, local HVAC contractors can help you out.

Your Energy Bill is Too High

Furnaces use fuel or electricity to keep the home warm. If you notice that your energy costs are too high, your furnace might not be as efficient and buying a newer model will save you more money in the long run.

Frequent Repairs

Due to the increased dependency on electric furnaces these days, it's even more critical to ensure that these heating systems are maintained properly. Homeowners must, therefore, check if their heating systems are performing at maximum efficiency and are free of any defects.

Some of the most common electric furnace problems have to do with the thermostat. Sometimes, though, problems with the thermostat may be simple enough that no professional help is required. At other times, however, the cause of the trouble may be too complex that only a furnace repair professional can figure it out.

The fan or blower motor is another electric furnace component that can develop problems over time. Any defect associated with this part typically leads to an unequal distribution of warm air throughout the house. This problem typically prompts homeowners to turn up their thermostats higher than the normal or recommended settings.

Winter conditions can be very taxing for most homeowners, so much so that the Census Bureau predicts that everyone will be spending 13 percent more for their monthly heating and cooling needs om 2014. Meanwhile, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) argues that increased energy bills during the 2013-2014 winter season is a harbinger of things to come.

The warning is certainly not lost on residents of Toledo, OH. Certain areas around The Glass City have experienced below-zero temperatures in December; more alarmingly, the mercury dipped to as low as -29 degrees Celsius in January. Since the cold during winter may put a severe strain on a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, households will inevitably need the services of a reputable furnace contractor for the necessary emergency repairs that can stave off heating inefficiencies and costly replacements.

The EIA attributes the potential cost increase to factors like changing weather patterns, local variations in gas production, and pipeline conditions. After all, natural gas and heating oil are among the most common power sources for HVAC furnaces.

Installing a furnace is a delicate process that entails a significant investment for any homeowner. Ownership of a furnace requires prompt and regular maintenance in order to ensure optimum heating efficiency, and it all begins with proper installation by a reputable contractor. A larger household typically requires more intricate ductwork, which is why property owners should hire no less than expert contractors to guarantee problem-free furnace installation.

The amount of maintenance the heating system requires should also be considered as a way to pre-empt unnecessarily frequent repairs. After all, a furnace that breaks down very easily can rack up considerable repair expenses in the long run. In addition, an inefficient furnace won’t be able to regulate indoor temperatures as expected, which could lead to severe discomfort and even trigger ailments like asthma, dizziness, or allergies.