Are you thinking about upgrading your furnace but not quite sure where to begin? Whether you need furnace installation in Ames, IA or routine furnace service, Neighbors Heating and Cooling has you covered.
We understand. Furnaces are more efficient than ever, with a plethora of features designed to keep you comfortable. They come in different sizes and shapes, some more powerful than others. They also have different price points based on their efficiency ratings.
The thermostat is the brains of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. But it’s the furnace that provides all the muscle, teaming up with your ductwork to send warm air throughout your Iowa home.
And always remember, a happy home is a warm one! It would only take a few cold days in a row with no indoor heat for all the pipes in your home to freeze.
What matters most is to pick the right furnace that fits your budget and the size of your home. Our team at Neighbors Heating and Cooling has the knowledge and expertise to help you make that choice. We’re a trusted name in Ames, IA, for creating healthy homes. Give us a call today—we can schedule a free consultation to help with your next home improvement project.
Choosing the Right Furnace by Fuel Type
Your first decision is easy: choosing the fuel type.
The most common source is natural gas. Your local utility company supplies fuel to your home through an underground gas line. The price of natural gas is relatively stable, so you don’t have to worry about cost fluctuations. Plus, you never need to worry about storage.
- If you have access to a natural gas line, we strongly recommend a gas furnace. These furnaces have proven their value over the years for providing steady comfort on the coldest of days.
- Oil furnaces are a popular alternative in the United States, particularly in parts of the Northeast that do not have easy access to natural gas. These types of furnaces last longer than gas furnaces but do not operate as efficiently. Oil prices fluctuate more than natural gas prices, making it harder to gauge your monthly expenses. Plus, you will need a storage tank for the oil.
- Electric furnaces tend to last longer than gas furnaces and cost less to install. On the other hand, they are more expensive to operate and take longer to heat your home. Anyone living in a cold climate would enjoy more comfort with a gas or oil furnace.
Choosing the Right Furnace Speed
Furnaces run at different speeds. The operating speed you choose will impact your comfort, budget, and indoor air quality (IAQ).
Single-stage furnaces have just two settings, on or off. Your furnace switches on and continues to run to reach the desired temperature. Once it reaches the temperature, the furnace turns off. Single-stage furnaces are the most affordable models and easiest to install. But they are the least efficient and tend to create hot and cold spots in larger homes.
Two-stage furnaces run at full speed and half speed. This allows your furnace to heat your home more evenly, producing a more consistent temperature from room to room. In addition to producing better heating, the half-speed setting is much quieter.
Variable-speed furnaces are the gold standard of the heating world. These models adjust their speeds to provide precise comfort. They run longer at slower speeds, improving efficiencies while lowering your energy bills. Because they do not frequently cycle on and off, these systems tend to have fewer breakdowns.
Variable-speed furnaces are much more adept in maintaining your indoor air quality, catching harmful particles, and eliminating excess moisture that causes mold growth. Larger homes benefit tremendously from variable-speed furnaces.
Choosing an Efficient Furnace
The AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating on your furnace indicates how much energy it converts. An energy-efficient furnace with an AFUE rating of 95 can convert 95 percent of the energy it consumes into heat.
The higher the AFUE rating, the more money you save on monthly utility bills. Energy-efficient furnaces emit fewer greenhouse gases and make less noise when they operate. If you want to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, the perfect place to start is with your heating and cooling equipment!
How Much Money Can a New Furnace Save You?
Our AFUE energy savings calculator can help determine how much you could save on your utility bills. Enter your current unit’s AFUE value and compare it to a newer, more efficient system.
AFUE Energy Savings Calculator
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Customize to Your Home
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** Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
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Furnace Installation in Ames, IA
Investing in a high-quality HVAC system is only half the equation—professional furnace installation in Ames, IA ensures you get the performance and efficiency you paid for. Poor installation can lead to long-term issues and higher energy costs.
At Neighbors Heating and Cooling, we take pride in doing the job right. Our team carefully measures and installs each system to manufacturer specifications and performs a comprehensive energy audit to uncover additional savings opportunities.
Be sure to ask about our convenient financing options (subject to approved credit) designed to make it easy for you to create your dream home.
Expert Furnace Repairs
Strange noises, rising energy bills, or frequent cycling are all signs your furnace may need attention. If you're experiencing issues, don’t wait—prompt furnace repair in Ames, IA can prevent small problems from becoming expensive breakdowns.
At Neighbors Heating and Cooling, we diagnose issues accurately and only recommend replacements when absolutely necessary or when it offers clear cost savings. Call today to schedule expert furnace repair you can trust.
Furnace Maintenance
Maximize the performance and lifespan of your HVAC system with a proactive maintenance plan. Regular furnace service in Ames, IA helps improve energy efficiency, enhance comfort, and reduce long-term costs.
Neighbors Heating and Cooling offers a personalized Comfort Club designed to fit your budget and furnace service needs. Call today to learn how our expert technicians can keep your system running smoothly year-round—giving you peace of mind and reliable comfort.
Call Us Today
Our entire team at Neighbors Heating and Cooling values the trust you placed in our company—we promise to work extra hard to keep your business. Let us install your next furnace. Call us at 515-232-7777 or request service online for furnace repair, replacement, or installation in Ames, IA, or the surrounding areas.