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When searching for a new furnace for your home, the first thing you need to know is if you have gas or oil, the two most common furnace types. This determination made, there are many other features to factor into your decision making process. No matter how you approach it, the wide selection of Trane heaters will make your search easier.
Furnaces are rated according to annual fuel utilization efficiency, commonly referred to as AFUE. The higher the AFUE, the more fuel is converted to produce heat. Older furnaces typically have an AFUE of about 65%, while the most efficient furnace available today has an AFUE of 97%. The EPA requires a minimum AFUE of 78%, meaning that at least 78% of the fuel used is converted to heat your home. Furnace efficiency is an important factor in making a new furnace decision. An improvement in fuel efficiency can reduce your fuel bill and potentially save you lots of money.
Many experts in the field agree that having a furnace with 80% efficiency is more than adequate if you live in an area of moderate climate, or your do not plan to stay in your home for at least five years. Higher efficiency models are more expensive, and thus take longer to recoup the additional investment.
The XV95 Gas Furnace offers one of the highest efficiency ratings in the industry with an AFUE of 96.7%. Additional positives of this furnace include a variable speed fan that adjusts to allow for a consistent flow of warm air, and two-stage gas heat that provides more control to adjust for comfort, and to help maintain a constant temperature in your home. This also provides greater fuel efficiency, making this furnace relatively cheap to operate. The negatives of the XV95 are that it is more expensive to purchase, and installation can be more complicated due to the potential need for modifications or new venting.
Slightly less efficient is the XL90 Gas Furnace, with an efficiency rating of 92%. This system provides two-stage heating that helps prevent temperature swings that can make the house uncomfortable with the constant change. With this system you get gentle warmth consistently throughout the day and throughout the house. Due to the high efficiency you will have lower energy costs over the long term. However, the initial cost of the XL90 is higher than average, which means it will take longer to recoup the initial investment through the energy savings. Like the XV95, this system may require new venting or other modifications as part of the installation.
If you live in a milder climate, do not have enough money for one of the higher efficiency models, or will not be staying in your current home for at least five years to recoup your investment, then the XT80 Gas Furnace could be the model for you. With an annual fuel utilization efficiency rating of 80%, it is likely still more efficient than your current furnace. The XT80 will be less expensive than a system with an AFUE over 90%, and is likely to be easier to install. You will get less efficiency with this model compared to the others listed here, and as a result will experience higher operating costs, since you will have to pay for more gas.
If you do not have gas as the fuel for your furnace, then you likely have oil. If this is the case for your home, then you should consider the XV80 Oil Furnace. A sealed-vent furnace, the XV80 is as efficient as many gas models, with an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 85%. It has a variable speed fan that operates in a quiet manner while warming your home. The biggest negative of an oil furnace is the cost of fuel. With the rising oil prices of today, you will pay more to operate an oil furnace than a gas one.
This is just a sampling of some models of Trane Heaters that are available for your home. If you are in the market for a new furnace, you should consider things like how much efficiency you require, what type of heating you want, how long you will be in your home, and how much you are willing to spend for a new system. Armed with that information, you can begin to research the models available that meet your requirements, make a selection, and being enjoying the new warmth of your home.
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