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How to Choose the Best Furnace for Your Climate and Budget

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How to Choose the Best Furnace for Your Climate and Budget

Posted On: December 10, 2024

How to Choose the Best Furnace for Your Climate and Budget

Selecting the right furnace for your home involves balancing the needs of your local climate with your financial considerations. Here’s how you can make an informed choice:



1. Understand Furnace Types

There are three main types of furnaces, each with its benefits and costs:


  • Gas Furnaces: Efficient for cold climates, lower operating costs in areas with affordable natural gas.
  • Electric Furnaces: More affordable upfront, suitable for milder climates with lower heating needs.
  • Oil Furnaces: Ideal for rural areas without gas lines; higher operating costs but effective in extreme cold.

2. Assess Energy Efficiency

The efficiency of a furnace is measured by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE):


  • 80-85% AFUE: Standard efficiency, suitable for mild climates or homes with limited heating needs.
  • 90%+ AFUE: High efficiency, recommended for cold climates or those looking to save on long-term energy costs.

Higher efficiency furnaces may cost more upfront but save on energy bills over time.



3. Consider Climate

  • Cold Climates: A high-efficiency gas or oil furnace is recommended to handle prolonged heating needs.
  • Mild Climates: An electric furnace or standard-efficiency gas furnace may suffice, as heating demands are lower.

4. Determine Your Budget

  • Initial Costs: Gas and oil furnaces typically cost more upfront compared to electric models.
  • Operating Costs: Natural gas is generally the cheapest to operate, followed by oil and then electricity. Consider local energy rates.
  • Maintenance Costs: Gas and oil furnaces require more regular maintenance than electric models.

5. Factor in Size and Installation

  • Proper Sizing: A furnace that’s too large or small for your home can lead to inefficiency and discomfort. Work with an HVAC professional to calculate the right size based on your home’s square footage and insulation.
  • Installation Costs: High-efficiency models may require additional setup, such as venting systems, which can increase installation costs.

6. Evaluate Advanced Features

Modern furnaces often include features that improve performance and convenience:


  • Variable-Speed Blowers: Enhance efficiency and maintain even temperatures.
  • Zoning Systems: Allow precise control of heating in different areas of the home.
  • Smart Thermostats: Improve efficiency and offer remote control.

7. Research Rebates and Incentives

Many energy-efficient furnaces qualify for government or utility rebates. Check for programs in your area to offset the initial costs.



8. Consult an HVAC Professional

A professional can assess your home’s heating needs, recommend the most suitable furnace, and ensure proper installation for maximum efficiency.



By considering these factors, you can find a furnace that keeps your home comfortable, aligns with your budget, and performs efficiently for years to come.



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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by John from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Our furnace bit the dust, and Twintech came out to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem within a couple of hours. Mitch was super helpful, patient, and answered all of our questions. When we decided to get the furnace replaced, the crew was over first thing the next morning and did a fantastic job. Not only did they complete the job in a few hours, but they cleaned up and respected our house as they went, and answered all of our follow-up questions. I've used Twintech for our HVAC needs in the past and will continue to do so. I'd recommend them to anyone, and it feels good to support a local, family-owned business.

by Ryan k on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Dave and the Twintech team were fabulous from day 1 and helped us through the process to identifying a new furnace and AC unit. This was our first time through this process and Dave did a thorough job explaining all the components and was very patience answering all our questions. Dave provided great insights and fair pricing.

The Twintech team did an awesome installation. Very clean and efficient. I would highly recommended their service.

by Louise in Scarborough on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We had a new Amana furnace installed by Twintech and we were very pleased with the installation. It is nice to have a warm house again.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Excellent job. Excellent service. Competitive price. Its rare to find a company with the knowledge and professional results we have experienced with Twintech. The clean and neat installation with attention to detail and drop sheers to respect our property is a clear indication of Twintechs high level of integrity. The 1-1/2 gas line upgrade they did for our pool 3 years ago was awesome. Can't say enough. Thank-you Twintech.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twitch did a great job with the installation of our new furnace. I really appreciated their honesty and I could trust what they were telling me. Another company tried to suggest significantly more work at a greater cost claiming it was necessary to meet current building code. Twintech is very fair. All staff I meet were friendly, polite and trustworthy. I would recommend Twitch for a furnace.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This is a professional team that's easy to deal with. I would strongly recommend them

by hj.taggart in OSHAWA on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very professional firm from start to finish!
They removed the old oil tank and furnace. They installed air conditioning and a new propane furnace.
Professional installation, on time and no mess.
Very pleased with their work and would highly recommend the company. Our house is three stories so they spent the time to do all the calculations to make sure we would have great performance on each floor.
Thank you again!

by susieschoeppler in Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Upon a routine yearly maintenance, it was discovered there was a leak in the heat exchanger and a I needed a new furnace. I know nothing about these things and was completely stressed out. The company I had the maintenance plan with quoted me a huge number to rent a furnace, I just wanted to cry. Then I spoke to Dave at Twintech. He was so knowledgeable and calming, provided me a fair quote and within a few days I had an amazing crew show up to my house and install my new energy efficient furnace! I have already recommended these wonderful people at Twintech to a good friend of mine. Thank you Twintech!!

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great service and great people to deal with, from sales to installer. I highly recommend this company.

by GR from Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech replaced our aging furnace and air conditioner recently. I highly recommend this company. Their quote was competitive, they were on time and respectful of our home and extremely professional. From the salesman to the installers and the owner who followed up afterward to ensure we were satisfied, we are very pleased with the service. We are looking forward to working with this company for all of our HVAC needs for the years to come. Excellent workmanship and service!

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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Robert Rogers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.

by Robert Mizuno on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

by Ruth on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!

by Anna Chin on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Amazing experience with TwinTech Heating & Cooling! Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient from start to finish. They installed my new furnace quickly and left everything spotless. The technicians took the time to explain everything and made sure I was comfortable with the system before they left. Great customer service and fair pricing. I highly recommend them for anyone needing HVAC services!

by Connor Agnew on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great experience all around. Bob was sharp and easy to talk to, and Greg handled the installation perfectly. Would hire them again in a heartbeat.

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