You can choose between two types of natural gas furnaces:
Mid-efficiency (non-condensing) furnaces
The minimum allowable furnace efficiency today is 78 per cent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or higher, making mid-efficiency (non-condensing) furnaces today's standard. They usually include spark or hot-surface ignition and a venter fan or automatic vent damper and achieve an annual efficiency of 78-82 per cent.
High-efficiency (condensing) furnaces
If you're building a new home or replacing your existing furnace, consider a high-efficiency model.
These units have two heat exchangers to recover even more heat from flue gases. They are between 90-97 per cent efficient, and can be vented through an exterior wall, so you don't need a chimney.
Maintenance
* Schedule a checkup and maintenance for your furnace as early in the fall as possible, so it's working as good as new when the cold sets in.
* Check and change the filter regularly. If you have a reusable filter, mark your calendar for periodic cleaning. Filters are very important for maintaining healthy air quality.
* Don't crowd your furnace or boiler! Leave space and air around it. Make sure there are no combustible materials stored nearby. Keep things like bleach, cleaning products and aerosols well away.
