Cheapism: The best deals on a new furnace

By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

If your furnace will be of legal voting age by next year?s presidential election, it?s probably time to look into a replacement. Fall offers an opportunity to get a few estimates before it gets too cold and everyone starts calling their local HVAC contractors. Brace yourself: Even if you get a good deal, this is going to be a big purchase. A reliable gas furnace can be had for less than $3,000, plus installation. The price will vary depending on the size and efficiency of the model you choose.

Ask an installer to use a standard calculation to determine the correct size furnace for your home. A model that?s too small may cost less but fail to keep you warm enough in the middle of winter. A furnace that?s too large will cycle on and off more often, potentially creating broad temperature swings, wearing out the components, and needlessly expending energy.

One advantage of having to replace an old furnace is the savings you?ll enjoy on utilities. A new gas furnace has to have an annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, of at least 78 percent. That means it converts 78 percent of the gas into heat, compared with 60 percent or less for an old furnace. Most furnaces in the budget price range are mid-efficiency furnaces with 80 percent AFUE. Whereas older furnaces typically blow out air at a single speed and temperature, many newer furnaces also come with variable-speed blowers and multistage burners to make them more efficient.

Spending more on a high-efficiency model with an Energy Star label may be worth it if you live in a place with particularly harsh winters. The savings you see on utilities should balance out the higher initial cost over the life of the furnace. A table from the U.S. Department of Energy estimates how much you can save. For example, if your current furnace has an AFUE of 60 percent, an 80 percent? furnace could save you $37.50 for every $100 you spend on gas; 90 percent AFUE could save you $44.24 for every $100. Of course, the actual savings will depend on energy costs in your area. If you decide to spring for an Energy Star model, you may also be eligible for a tax break or rebate.

Finally, note the length of the manufacturer?s warranty?? generally five to 10 years on parts and 10-plus years on the heat exchanger. The installer should also offer a service warranty. Even with solid warranties, regular maintenance is vital. According to industry professionals, things like insufficient maintenance and installation errors are more often to blame for furnace problems than defective equipment. An annual checkup can also help guard against carbon monoxide leaks.

Below are Cheapism?s top picks for affordable furnaces.

• The Trane XL80 furnace series (starting at $1,600) features two-stage heat output, a variable-speed blower, and an AFUE of 80 percent. The furnaces come with a 5- to 10-year warranty on parts and a 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger. According to a Consumer Reports survey, Trane furnaces have a history of requiring slightly fewer repairs than other furnaces. (Where to buy)
• The Carrier Infinity furnace series (starting at $2,500) includes the highly regarded Infinity 96, with a 96 percent AFUE rating. Some contractors posting reviews say this is the only model they recommend. The furnaces in this series offer multiple speeds and heat levels and impressive warranties: 10 years on parts and a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger. (Where to buy)
• The Lennox Merit furnace series (starting at $2,000) is a budget lineup from a leading brand that consumers say lives up to the hype. These furnaces can be combined with an electric heat pump to increase efficiency with so-called "dual fuel" capability. They are guaranteed for 5 years on parts and 20 years on the heat exchanger. (Where to buy)
• Payne furnaces (starting at $1,115) with 80 percent AFUE win fans for their cost-effectiveness. They feature programmable blowers and competitive warranties: 10 years on parts and 20 years on the heat exchanger. (Where to buy)

More from Cheapism:
Furnace Reviews
Tablet Deals
Cheap Eyeglasses
Cheap Refrigerators

Source: http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/28/8524602-cheapism-best-budget-furnaces

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