Choosing a new furnace involves much more than just deciding which color and model might look nice in your home, and simply assuming that bigger is better won't cut it either. Here are some things HVAC installation services professionals like WM Buffington Company consider when determining which furnace size or BTU rating is most appropriate for your home..

Room Sizes

If you’re unfamiliar with what BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings are, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) defines it as "the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one degree Fahrenheit”. Your contractor will first consider usual BTU-to-square footage ratios that work for standard-type spaces. Calculations may then be adjusted, depending on the shape and orientation of the rooms or how high your ceiling might be, among other factors. 

Build and Location

Expert HVAC contractors like WM Buffington Company will also consider your home’s location and what the climate where you live is like throughout the year. Homes in areas that are generally colder usually need bigger furnaces. How your home is built will also come into play. The type of roofing and siding you have, for example, can affect how much heat your home can retain.

Energy Efficiency

How to keep your home as energy efficient as possible will be considered too. The number of windows and doors that you have and the state they're in--whether they're tightly sealed or drafty, for instance--will matter. Whether or not your home has adequate insulation will also be factored in.

You can avoid worrying about furnace sizes by letting WM Buffington Company handle your new heating system installation for you. We have NATE-certified technicians who can ensure that you get the best furnace for your home in the right size. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (717) 609-4020. Financing options are available for residents of Harrisburg, PA.