As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it’s important to have a reliable and efficient home heating system. Choosing the right type of furnace for your home is a decision that can impact both your comfort and energy bills. 

Let’s explore some of your furnace options so you can determine the best way to get yourself and your family through a Minnesota winter. 

Natural gas furnaces

Natural gas furnaces are the most common type of furnace in the United States. This type of furnace does have a history of being less efficient, depending on the age of the unit. Models that are 15 years old or older top out around 70% efficiency, but newer models are able to surpass that by 15 percentage points or more. Gas furnaces are also relatively inexpensive to operate, due to the generally low cost of natural gas. 

Natural gas furnaces work by burning natural gas to create heat. The heat is then transferred to a heat exchanger, which heats the air that is circulated throughout the home. The exhaust gasses from the furnace are vented to the outside.

Benefits:

• Efficient and cost-effective to operate
• Widely available and compatible with existing ductwork
• Relatively low maintenance requirements

Drawbacks:

• Relies on a fossil fuel source
• Can produce indoor air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide
• Requires a connection to a natural gas line
• Less environmentally friendly compared to renewable energy sources like solar or geothermal
• Not suitable for areas without natural gas infrastructure

High efficiency furnaces 

Furnaces that have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 92% or higher are considered high efficiency furnaces. AFUE is a measure of how much of the fuel a furnace uses is actually converted into heat. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace.

High efficiency furnaces can save you money on your energy bills. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 95% will use 5% less fuel than a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90%. This means that you could save up to $100 per year on your heating costs.

These types of furnace are also better for the environment compared to lower efficiency varieties. They produce fewer emissions than less efficient furnaces, which helps to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses.

Benefits 

• Lower heating bills
• Reduced environmental impact 
• Longer lifespan than traditional gas furnaces 

Drawbacks 

• Higher upfront cost
• Must be able to operate without a chimney

Electric furnaces

Electric furnaces use electricity, rather than gas or some other combustible material, to generate heat. They are easy to install and maintain, making them a convenient option for many homeowners. While they might have slightly higher operating costs compared to gas furnaces, the absence of combustion byproducts makes them a cleaner and safer choice for indoor air quality. 

Electric furnaces work by using electricity to heat coils or elements. The heated coils or elements then transfer the heat to the air, which is circulated throughout the home.

Benefits:

• Highly efficient
• No need for a flue or chimney, making installation easier and less expensive.
• Quiet operation
• Clean and environmentally friendly, as they do not produce emissions.

Drawbacks:

• Can be more expensive to operate than natural gas furnaces in areas with high electricity costs.
• Requires a significant amount of electricity, which may strain the electrical system in older homes.
• Less effective in very cold climates.

Propane furnaces

Propane furnaces are a popular choice for heating homes in areas where natural gas is not available, such as cabins or houses in rural areas. They are also a good option for people who want a more environmentally friendly furnace, as propane produces fewer emissions than natural gas. 

Propane furnaces are powered by propane, which is a type of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Propane is stored in tanks on the property and is delivered by propane companies. Propane furnaces work by burning propane to create heat. The heat is then transferred to a heat exchanger, which heats the air that is circulated throughout the home. The exhaust gasses from the furnace are vented to the outside.

Benefits:

• Efficient and relatively cost-effective to operate
• Portable and can be used for backup heating or in off-grid locations
• No need for a connection to a natural gas line
• Can be used in areas with extreme climates
• Compatible with existing ductwork

Drawbacks:

• Requires storage for propane tanks
• Tanks need to be refilled manually
• More expensive to install than natural gas furnaces
• Propane may be less readily available than natural gas in some areas

Oil furnaces

Oil furnaces use heating oil as their fuel source, similar to a natural gas furnace. They are less common than they once were because they are less efficient than natural gas furnaces. They are also more expensive to operate, as the cost of oil is higher. 

However, oil furnaces can be a good option for people who live in areas where natural gas is not available or who want a backup heating source. They are also known for their durability and relatively high fuel efficiency. 

Benefits:

• Efficient in cold climates
• Readily available in many areas
• Produces a consistent and reliable heat source
• Can be used in areas with extreme climates
• Compatible with existing ductwork

Drawbacks:

• Less efficient than natural gas furnaces
• More expensive to operate than natural gas or propane furnaces
• Produces higher emissions and contributes to air pollution
• Requires storage for oil tanks
• Operating costs are dependent on the price of oil

Other heating options

Sometimes you don’t need to add an entire furnace to get the heat you need. If you are looking for supplemental heating for specific rooms in your home, there are a few great options. 

Radiant heat flooring

Radiant heat flooring involves installing a network of heating elements beneath the floor surface. This system provides even and comfortable warmth throughout a room. Radiant heat is energy-efficient, as it directly warms people and objects, reducing heat loss. It’s a popular choice for bathrooms and areas with hard flooring surfaces.

Electric baseboards

Electric baseboards are individual room heating units that are easy to install and allow for precise temperature control. They work by heating the air near the baseboard, providing a straightforward solution for zoned heating. While they are less common as the primary heating source for an entire home, they are effective for supplemental heating in specific areas.

Wood burning stoves

Wood burning stoves offer a traditional and charming heating option. They use wood as a renewable and readily available fuel source. While the ambiance and warmth from a wood-burning system are appealing, they require more hands-on maintenance and may not be as convenient as other modern heating options.

Stay Warm This Winter with Welter 

The professional HVAC technicians at Welter can help you decide the best furnace for your house. We cover everything from installation to maintenance to repairs for most types of furnaces. Call us today to learn more about getting a new furnace.