HVAC

As energy efficiency becomes a priority to save money and protect the environment, homeowners in Los Angeles are looking for ways to update their heating and cooling system. At JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, we offer high-quality furnaces that fit every budget and household size.

Fuel Options for Your New Furnace

Modern furnaces operate on electricity, natural gas, and heating oil. Of these, natural gas offers the most affordable operation and lowest upfront costs. If you don’t have natural gas lines in your home, electric furnaces are great alternatives if you don’t want to invest in having natural gas lines installed. Furnaces that rely on heating oil and propane are most often found in older houses and rural areas.

1. Forced Draft

Forced draft heating systems are among the most energy-efficient designs. It’s designed with a metal heat exchanger and multi-speed fan. The compact design makes them great for smaller homes in Los Angeles. A forced draft furnace can also be connected to the cooling component of an HVAC system.

2. Forced Air

Forced air furnaces are the most common design found in the Los Angeles area. The unit heats air that’s blown through ducts into each room. Early forced air designs were configured to replace natural draft systems, and the heated air was distributed through the same network of pipes in the flooring.

3. Natural Draft

Natural draft furnaces are rare in the Los Angeles area, but we do come across these units on occasion. The design requires minimal controls. Warm air from the unit travels up through a chimney and is distributed under the floor through a series of pipes. As the heat from the floor rises, it heats the rooms of the house.

4. Single-Stage

In addition to forced-air design, single-stage units are common in the Los Angeles area. If your heating system runs at full capacity at all times, it’s a single-stage unit. These are considered less energy-efficient than modern two-stage and variable-speed designs for furnaces. The higher energy consumption is due to the unit not running until there’s a specific difference between the thermostat setting and indoor temperature.

5. Two-Stage

Two-stage furnaces run at two speeds to save on energy use. Each model is designed with a temperature variation that determines if the unit runs at full or reduced capacity. In general, a two-stage furnace runs at full capacity when there’s a large temperature difference. Once the desired temperature is reached, the unit operates at a reduced capacity in response to slight differences between the thermostat setting and indoor temperature. Compared to single-stage units, two-stage units run less often and for shorter periods of time. This translates into saving money on your utility costs.

6. Low BTU Per Hour

If you live on a tight budget and need to replace your furnace without breaking the bank, JW Plumbing, Heating and Air can recommend models with low BTU per hour. This is an affordable option that will keep your family warm and comfortable during the cooler temperatures in the Los Angeles area. Furnaces with low BTU per hour ratings aren’t recommended for larger homes or older houses that tend to be drafty.

7. High BTU Per Hour

When it comes to BTU per hour ratings, higher may not always be better. Many furnace models with high ratings in this area tend to be less energy-efficient, so you could end up spending more every month for energy use. If you want to find a balance between energy efficiency and higher BTU per hour ratings, work with the experts at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air. We will work within your budget, both for upfront cost and monthly operation of your furnace.

8. Smart Furnaces

The evolution of smart homes and appliances applies to the realm of heating and cooling. You can find energy-efficient models that fit well into your smart home. The heating professionals at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air can help you find a new heater that is packed with all the smart features you need, such as remote operation, automatic zone controls, airflow monitoring, and much more.

9. Energy Star

The U.S. Department Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy introduced the Energy Star program to set quality standards for HVAC manufacturers as a way to reduce energy consumption in the country. On average, a unit with the Energy Star Rating runs up to 90% more efficient than comparable models without the rating. Considering that the majority of your utility costs are due to heating and cooling your home, the Energy Star Rating of a new furnace can save you money for years to come.

10. Sealed Combustion

Carbon monoxide poisoning affects thousands of people each year and causes many health problems that range from troublesome to deadly. A sealed combustion furnace is designed to keep all combustion byproducts safely enclosed until it is released to the outdoors. These designs not only represent a higher level of safety for your family, but they also retain more heat compared to unsealed designs. As a result, sealed combustion furnaces tend to be more energy-efficient.

11. Airflow Design

Furnace designs include the direction of airflow from the unit, including upflow, downflow, horizontal flow, and combinations. The airflow design that is best for your house is determined by the positioning of your ductwork. If you are unsure about which airflow is best for your needs, schedule an appointment with a technician from JW Plumbing, Heating and Air to inspect your HVAC system and recommend the best models.

12. Geothermal

As Los Angeles homeowners look toward alternative energy sources, geothermal heating systems have evolved as viable options. Geothermal heating works by extracting heat from the soil. The warmth is used to heat air that is delivered through a series of tubes and pipes under the floor of a property. Geothermal heating is quite energy-efficient, and installation does not require any changes to the foundation of your home. If you are interested in learning more about geothermal heating, reach out to JW Plumbing, Heating and Air for more information.

Choosing the Best Furnace for Your Home

Given all the available options and features for new heating systems, choosing the best furnace for your Los Angeles home can feel daunting. Rest assured that the experts at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air are here to help. We provide insightful information about models that fit your budget and current HVAC capacity. Once you choose the best new furnace, we will schedule a time for the installation. We always stand behind the quality of our work. If you are ever dissatisfied with the services that you receive from JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, let us know, and we will work to make it right.

Professional Furnace Experts

Since 2006, JW Plumbing, Heating and Air has provided exceptional HVAC services for homes in the Los Angeles area, including installation of new systems, repairs, and maintenance. We can also help with your plumbing needs, such as clogged drains, water heaters, filtration, broken pipes, and more. Be sure to ask about our indoor air quality solutions as well, including duct cleaning and whole-air air purification systems. Call us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Updated: February 20, 2024

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