AC Direct - FAQ's - System Selection

System Selection - Gas Furnaces

	Do you provide installers for my purchase?
	Not yet. We are compiling a database of certified installers for future use. If your installer is licensed and you are happy with his work, please let us know so we can add his name to our database.
	Can I install my gas furnace myself?
	Furnace installations can be tricky and require someone with the proper background and certifications. If you install your furnace yourself, you must have it inspected and started up by the gas company or a licensed contractor prior to use. Furnaces use highly flammable gas and produce noxious by-products that must be properly exhausted. Failure to follow all instructions and safety procedures can result in serious injury or death.
	My service tech told me that higher efficiency products break down more frequently. Is this true?
	Possibly. However, ask your installer if his automobile has power steering, power brakes and power windows, and even an electronic air conditioning system. These are just more things to go wrong but we all want the convenience and comfort they provide. Quality control has improved warranties dramatically in the last ten years through the use of manufacturing process certifications and increasingly efficiency assembly methods. Product innovations in efficiency and function will increase complexity slightly but the return in comfort and energy savings will more than offset any potentially slight increase in maintenance. Base your decision on features, initial cost, ownership costs including energy usage, and comfort.
	Can I install my new gas furnace in my attic?
	Usually, subject to your local code requirements. All of our furnaces are compatible for horizontal installations and are approved by the manufacturers for use in attics. When installing a high efficiency furnace be certain that the ambient air in the attic does not go below freezing as this may cause the condensate drain to freeze and create a blockage. There must at least enough heat in the attic to maintain the temperature above freezing for condensing-type, high efficiency furnaces. (90+ efficiency). This limitation does not exist for standard efficiency (80%) furnaces.
	I currently have gas heat but because of the recent increases in gas rates would it be advisable to switch to electricity?
	Not at all. Unless the replacement furnace is identical in size to the old furnace (very unlikely) there will always be some duct modifications necessary to complete the job. Furnace installers expect this and are prepared to make changes as needed. If your existing furnace configuration or location is changing, prepare in advance to ensure that you select the right furnace.
	I see the terms "upflow", downflow", and "horizontal" used when describing furnaces and air handlers. What does this mean?
	These three terms refer to the furnace air delivery configuration. Upflow means that the supply (warm or cold) air is delivered upward, off the top of the furnace into an overhead duct system. Downflow means the supply air is delivered from the bottom of the furnace into a duct system beneath it. Horizontal means the furnace will lay on its side for use in an attic or tight basement.
	Should I install a gas furnace or a heat pump?
	Let's break this down by climate: Extreme northern climates.. Natural or propane gas wherever possible. Cold Climates...Natural gas if available or a heat pump with bias toward gas. Moderate climates... Natural gas or a heat pump without bias one way or the other Extreme southern climates. Heat pump or electric strip heator natural gas if available. Of course, a heat pump system includes air conditioning as well.
	Which is more efficient: A heat pump or a furnace?
	There is no quick, easy answer to this question. The variables involved include system operating time, cost per Kw of electricity, cost per therm of the gas, the furnace efficiency, and the HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) of the heat pump involved in the comparison. Check with a local contractor for their opinion and don't be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes contractors will have a bias one way or the other for reasons that have nothing to do with operating costs and comfort. The only way to really answer this question is to be sure that these factors are used correctly based on your local conditions. As a broad generalization, in most areas of the country an 80% furnace will consume about the same amount of energy as a heat pump assuming that the operating time and climates are comparable. If you are a colder climate, natural gas is normally the best choice, if available.
	Do all furnaces use the same type of "chimney" or flue?
	All 80% furnaces use a standard double-wall vent that exhausts through a flue, normally through the roof of your home. They need to be properly lined to prevent condensation from forming and should meet your local code requirements. 90% efficient furnaces are known as "condensing" furnaces and do not require a traditional flue vent. Instead, they use a 2-3 inch PVC pipe that is easily vented either horizontally or vertically to an outside wall. The do produce some condensate (moisture) in the combustion process that will need to be trapped and disposed of.
	Are your furnaces compatible for use with propane (LP) gas?
	Yes. All furnaces we offer are easily field-converted for use with propane. The furnace ads will provide the price and model number of the conversion kit offered. Coleman mobile home furnaces ship natural or propane gas ready. No additional kit is required.
	Is a higher efficiency furnace always better?
	If you live in a colder climate (frequent dips below 30 degrees) a high efficiency furnace is worth considering. A 93% furnace consumes about 16% less gas than a standard 80% efficient furnace. However in warmer southern climates the limited operating time may not justify the price increase. Another important consideration is installation and serviceability. 93% furnaces are more complex than standard efficiency furnaces and if they are not common in your climate the service technicians in your area may not be familiar with proper installation and service procedures. Very moderate climates such as Florida, Texas, and Southern California will normally use standard 80% efficient furnaces. If you live in a warmer area and desire the comfort and performance enhancing features offered by 2-stage, variable speed furnaces then consider one of our Ruud or Goodman standard efficiency 80% furnaces but select one of the variable speed, 2 stage models. (Goodman model GMV8 or Ruud model UGPL series)
	What does the "variable speed" feature of a gas furnace mean to me?
	In a nutshell, it reduces the operating cost of the blower by about 75%, provides better humidity control in the cooling mode, and delivers more consistent air throughout your home in both heating and cooling modes. For more information see any of our variable speed product ads.
	What does the "two stage" feature of a gas furnace mean to me?
	A two-stage gas valve adjusts the furnace heating output based on demand. When demand is low the furnace will operate in the lower stage, reducing your fuel bill by about 20%. When the demand is higher the furnace automatically cycles up to the higher stage, providing full capacity and more heat. The lower operating stage also allows the furnace to heat more evenly with less on/off cycling. Instead of frequent blasts of full capacity heat the furnace will provide just the warmth called for without over-heating your hom
	What is the highest efficiency furnace you offer?
	We have found that furnaces above 93-94% efficiency have a cost/benefit ratio that decreases exponentially as the efficiency increases above this level. Simply put, the reduction in operating costs offered by higher efficiency furnaces is normally not justified by the increase in the initial purchase price. These furnaces typically will include other features that may enhance comfort but from a strictly return-on-investment point of view the extra cost is almost impossible to justify. If you are in a colder climate we do highly recommend the 93% efficient furnaces for the lowest possible energy costs.
	I am considering replacing my existing furnace. Any ideas?
	To Be Determined
	Where can I get more detail and specs for the equipment I am interested in?
	All of our product ads contain downloads for installation instructions and detailed specifications. Simply open the product ad and click on the "Installation Guides/PDF" link for full details.