Every homeowner will face the issue of replacing their heating system, and when the time comes to replace yours, there are a few things you should know, along with a few steps that you need to take in order to find the best replacement.

You need the right size heating system for your home

A new system will be more efficient than your old one, so this alone will save money on your utility bill. However, if you buy a system too small for your house, the furnace will be working longer to heat your home, so some efficiency will be negated. Of course, a system too large will mean you are paying for more output than your home requires.

Determining the optimal size can be tricky

The output of heating systems is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). There are ballpark estimates of how many BTU you need for a home. You will need 20 BTU for each square foot of your home. But keep in mind that this does not take into account high ceilings, which will require additional heating. Also, the quality of your insulation needs to be taken into account, as well as the number of windows in your house. You can attempt your own calculation, or you can call a heating system installer to give you an estimate. Make sure they are including heat loss in their calculations.

Choosing a manufacturer and efficiency rating

Once you have the right size, you need to select the right efficiency. The greater the efficiency, the higher the price. A dealer can explain the differences in utility cost for each model. As far as the manufacturer, some companies may have a better reputation for quality and longevity. The best way to choose one is to find a heating system company that installs several models and not just one. They will be able to point you towards the right brand. In some situations, the contractor may sell and install heating systems. 

Buying a new heating system for your home can seem like a monumental task. But if you start with a general estimate of the size of system you need in BTU, you will have an idea of the cost. You can hire a heating system installer to give you an estimate of the size, and they may also be able to give you an estimate for the installation. Some of these heating system businesses sell and install units. Reach out to a professional who provides heating replacement services to get started.