Furnace Replacement
The kind of furnace you choose for your home heating system determines equipment expenses. Low-efficiency versions are less expensive, however they result in greater energy costs. High-efficiency versions are more expensive, but they save more in the long run. Gas furnaces range in price from $1,360 for low-efficiency versions to $12,500 for high-efficiency ones. Electric furnaces start at $395 and may cost up to $1,700 or more, depending on the brand and size of the furnace.
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- Determine the square footage in your home. You may be able to locate the number written down someplace, or you may have to measure it yourself. Use a tape measure to calculate the length and breadth of a room on your own. Multiply those figures to find the square footage of that room. Repeat for each room and corridor, then sum them all together.
- Multiply your square footage by 20. This will give you the basic BTUs you should look for in a new HVAC system.
- Add 100 BTUs for each person living in the home.
- Add 1000 BTUs for each window and exterior door.
This will give you a pretty accurate idea of what size HVAC system you need for your home, but you’ll need to have a professional HVAC technician do a load calculation to determine the exact size HVAC unit you’ll need to heat and cool your home.
When deciding whether to repair or replace your home heating seating, the first aspect to examine is the age of your system. A furnace has an average lifespan of 15-20 years; beyond that, the system begins to malfunction more frequently. Repairs are your best bet if your furnace is less than ten years old. If the unit is 12 years old or more, it's time to think about replacing it. Consult a professional if your furnace is more than ten years old and giving you problems.
Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed.
Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 78% AFUE. If your furnace is 10 – 15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy.
This doesn't mean that you should only select a furnace based on its AFUE rating. The efficiency rating is just one factor to consider when looking for a new furnace.
Furnaces use electricity to run fans and motors. The amount of electricity used varies greatly depending on the type of furnace. Be sure to check electricity usage prior to making a purchase decision. 
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