Considering Furnace Replacement? What You Need to Know Before You Shop

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Before delving into furnace replacement, take some time to learn what types of furnaces are available and which receive the highest efficiency ratings.

Installation is another critical factor in proper furnace functioning, and choosing the right contractor is as important as selecting the right furnace.

Size

Reputable contractors determine the correct size furnace for your heating needs by determining load calculations for the home. This takes into account the climate, size, design and construction of your home using the Manual J HVAC Residential Load Calculation, which is distributed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. A furnace that’s too small won’t keep your house comfortable during the Cincinnati winters, while furnaces that are too large cost more and cycle on and off frequently. This wastes energy and causes temperature variability.

Efficiency

Most new furnaces use gas for fuel. The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating reflects how efficiently the furnace transforms gas into heating energy. Higher numbers translate into greater efficiency. Some furnace models attain 97 percent fuel efficiency. When you’re looking for a furnace replacement, furnace costs increase with higher fuel efficiency levels, but lower monthly fuel bills allow homeowners to recoup the additional expenditure.

Key Features

Furnaces have comparable key features, depending on price. Highly efficient furnaces often include all the key features, including:

  • Variable-speed blowers
  • Variable heat output
  • Air filtration
  • Dual heat exchanger
  • Zoned heating using thermostats
  • Warranty

Choosing a Contractor

Contractors are the determining factor in how well furnace replacement installation goes. Furnaces are attached to ductwork, piping and air cleaners, making them part of the entire home system. Only a trained and licensed HVAC professional should be considered for furnace installation.

Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing sells high performance, high-efficiency furnaces to residents in the greater Cincinnati area. All of Apollo Home’s installers have attended Apollo Home University which provides an intensive, comprehensive training program certified by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) association. Contact us today for more information about furnace replacement or any other home comfort needs.

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"Ernie & Mike did a superb job on my new furnace and A/C installation. Despite having more than a day’s work to do, they came in and stayed until the job was done. They were organized, efficient, and protected the rest of the house well. Got both furnace and A/C installed the same day. Ernie was courteous, informative, and clearly knew his job better than anyone I’ve encountered before. The units look so good guests now get The Tour of our new system. Apollo is clearly not a fly-by-night company. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a new furnace and/or A/C."
- Jerry A.
"I called Apollo because of a water leak I thought I had in our upstairs shower going into the kitchen. Robbie came and assured me everything was fine & looked at all the other plumbing. He ended up changing a few pipes for our washer & clearing a drain. He was very nice & knowledgeable with all my questions. I ended up signing up for the care plan & was very happy with my service."
- Cassandra B.
"The team at Apollo exceeded my expectations. As a business owner, my attention to the details and commitment to providing excellent service is high. From the sales rep. to the installation team, everyone’s performance was outstanding. For example, the installation team went to great lengths to protect our floors, placing floor runners and across the wood floors and up the stairs. They even were spot washing walls upon their departure. I highly recommend this company."
- Randy B.
"We scheduled an estimate AND a tune-up. We knew something was wrong with our furnace, but hoped we could make it through the rest of the season. Upon telling Bill what our furnace was doing, he warned us immediately what the possible outcome was going to be; a cracked heat exchanger. He watched the flames roll backward, tested carbon monoxide levels, which were so high they meter’s last reading was 5,600 before saying “high”. He immediately shut it down, tagged it, and explained that with levels that high and children in our home he wanted off right away. He continued his inspection and showed us via a camera that not only was it cracked in multiple places, but had holes all over it. He gave us a few options for repairing it; his knowledge as well as genuine concern was beneficial and refreshing. Luckily we also scheduled an estimator, Micah, to come too and we were able to get costs between repairing and replacing (with several options). We decided to replace with a much higher efficiency furnace and one sized properly to our home. Hands down, not only did they both provide us great service and knowledge, but without sounding dramatic, they may have saved our lives. This was our first time calling Apollo, but it won’t be our last."
- Sarah B.
"Apollo is an excellent company. I always receive great service. Alex A. was professional and friendly. He kept me informed during the process of checking my furnace and heat pump to make sure they were working properly. The company makes sure you are notified who is coming and when they are on the way. All my interactions with the company have been wonderful."
- Beverly S.
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    Apollo Care Plan