Investing in an energy-efficient furnace is a smart financial strategy. While high-efficiency units with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating above 90% may have a higher upfront cost, they offer significant long-term savings.

The higher the AFUE rating, the less energy the unit needs to produce heat, which directly translates into lower monthly heating bills. For homeowners focused on long-term savings, a high-efficiency furnace is a wise investment that provides a substantial return.

Your home's size has a significant impact on both the cost and the long-term efficiency of a new heating system. While it may seem logical that a more powerful unit would be better, an oversized furnace is a common problem.

An oversized unit will heat your home too quickly, causing it to "short cycle"—turning on and off frequently. This stop-and-go operation is similar to the wear and tear city driving puts on a car, compared to the smooth, steady performance of a long highway drive.

This constant starting and stopping leads to a loss of efficiency and puts unnecessary strain on the system's components, which can lead to premature breakdowns and higher utility bills.

The type of fuel your home uses is a major factor in the total cost of a new heater, influencing both the upfront purchase price and the long-term running expenses.

Electric heating units are typically the most affordable to install but are also the most expensive to operate due to the cost of electricity.

Gas furnaces are a popular choice as they are significantly more cost-effective to run than electric units. They are also generally more affordable to operate and produce cleaner emissions than heating systems that run on oil.

Oil heating systems are often less common in urban areas and are generally considered more expensive and less clean-burning than gas furnaces.