In a time of spiraling energy bills, choosing the right heating source for your home has never been more important.
Choosing a furnace for your home is one of those decisions you'll want to get right the first time. The main thing to consider is furnace size. The right-sized furnace will heat your home efficiently and affordably and remain reliable year-round.
Buying the wrong furnace will lead to excessive temperatures and potentially huge sums of wasted money. With that in mind, keep reading to learn how to choose the right furnace size for your home in British Columbia.
How to Measure Furnace Size
The first step towards finding the right furnace is understanding furnace sizes. No matter what system you are looking at, a furnace's heating capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).
These units express the amount of heat needed to heat up 1 pound of water by 1 degree (Fahrenheit). A furnace within the range of 30,000-200,000 BTUs is sufficient for most homes.
However, that's a very wide range. Getting the best results from your furnace depends on choosing one with the right capacity for your home. Read on to find out a few ways to do exactly that.
The Size of Your Home
The size of your home is the most important factor when choosing your furnace size. The larger your home, the greater the number of BTUs you will need to heat it.
There is no standard calculation here, but there are some general rules that people tend to follow. For example, if you live in a colder-winter climate such as Prince George, a good rule of thumb is to multiply the square footage of your home by 50-60 BTUs.
Therefore, if you live in a 2000-square-foot home in Prince George, your minimum furnace size should be around 100,000 BTUs. You should always consult a professional to confirm the necessary number of BTUs you will need.
The Climate You Live In
As mentioned, the climate you live in will determine the size of the furnace you need. If you live in California, you will need far fewer BTUs than someone who lives in Prince George.
In continental climates, you'll need at least 50 BTUs per square foot. You might need as little as 30 BTUs per square foot in warmer, more arid climates.
The Efficiency of Your Furnace
Another crucial factor these days is efficiency. Once upon a time, furnaces were wasteful, with most home furnaces having an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of around 55%.
However, you can find furnaces with an AFUE of over 98% these days. This means less space is needed and more energy is saved, while fewer BTUs will be needed per square foot.
Investing in the most efficient furnace possible now can save resources well into the future.
Get the Right Furnace for Your Family Today
Once you have determined the furnace size you need, it's time to invest in the right one. We have you covered if you need to find the right furnace in Prince George.
At Canuck Mechanical, we can help you find the right solutions for heating your home and keeping your family comfortable and safe throughout the winter and beyond.
Our dedicated furnace professionals can repair and maintain your furnace so you always get the best results.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, local team today to find out how we can help you.