Heating Basics

PURCHASING A FURNACE

The worst time to make a decision is during… the worst time. Homesense co-founder Jesse Cross says, “When it’s below freezing, and your heat goes out, you make quick decisions that you may regret since you have little time to research and know all the options available.”

One of the company’s core values is presenting options and providing the information necessary to make sound choices. Ideally, you do this in the summer! When you are facing a crisis in the dead of winter, though, speed is of the essence. Still, Homesenses’s commitment to a no-pressure, stress-less process ensures you make an informed decision — and stay warm.

WHEN PURCHASING A NEW SYSTEM, HOMESENSE RECOMMEND HOMEOWNERS FOCUS ON:

 CHOOSING QUALIFIED HVAC PROFESSIONALS. Is the company licensed to do the work?

 WEIGHING YOUR OPTIONS. Furnaces are not one-sizefits-all; there are myriad efficiencies and capabilities available . A reputable company will provide you with options — and let you make the call without pressure .

 GETTING TO KNOW THE TECHNICIANS. The salesperson who sold you on a new system is likely not going to be the one installing it . Ask for details about the install technician or team . What experience and training do they have?

 ASKING ABOUT QUALITY CONTROL. There should be a process in place to double and triple check that the install technicians have lived up to the promises given by the salesperson .

WHETHER YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO CHOOSE A FURNACE OR A STORM IS ON ITS WAY, HOMESENSE ENSURES YOU HAVE THE RIGHT HEATING SOLUTION FOR YOUR HOME.

HVAC IS COMPLEX.

Presenting information in a way that is clear, understandable, and actionable is so important that it is one of Homesense’s core values. Their team strives to answer any and all of your questions, such as:

What is a heat pump? In short: it is a more efficient way to heat and cool your home. Running on electricity, much like your refrigerator, a heat pump pulls heat from a cool space into a warm space. So, in winter, it moves heat from the outdoors into your home. In summer, it moves heat from your house into the outdoors. This allows for enhanced comfort and efficiency year-round.

What do efficiency ratings mean? Oil and propane furnaces generate heat. That’s the point! But they also produce carbon monoxide in the process, so they need to be properly vented. This allows some of the heat to escape. Efficiency is a rating of the heat output divided by the energy the unit consumes. This is called the Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), and it must be at least 80%, per the Department of Energy.

Simple enough. But it gets more complex when we consider ductless systems, which do not generate heat but use often have a backup heat source, and fully electric systems which have no AFUE rating. Confused? Homesense helps customers make sense of it and choose the most efficient option possible.

What are some heating tips I can put into action now?

Homesense’s goal is to serve customers to the fullest, even if that means they see less of them! Some of the best steps homeowners can take is to change their air filters regularly, make sure doors and windows are properly weather-stripped, service HVAC systems annually or as indicated, and ensure insulation is adequate for the home.

When homeowners have questions, Homesense delivers realistic, easy to understand answers.

Homesense prides itself on unparalleled customer service and relationships. But even they know that the last call homeowners want to make on a frigid winter day is to them. When the sun’s shining and the temperatures are in the 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond, no one wants to think about ice, snow, and turning up the thermostat. But this is exactly the right time to schedule your furnace tune-up to ensure a cozy cold season.

If you want to keep your vehicle in top operating shape, you get the oil changed, make sure your fluids are clear and topped off, and address any emerging issues before you end up stranded on the side of the road. The same is true for your furnace. It is a system with a multitude of moving parts, and they need to be inspected, cleaned, adjusted, and, if necessary, replaced to ensure that it continues to run smoothly and safely.

A TUNE-UP:

 PREVENTS PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD.

And by “down the road,” we mean the coldest night of the year .

 REDUCES ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND

COSTS. A well-maintained furnace doesn’t have to work as hard . It’s that simple . A tuneup can boost efficiency by up to 30%.

 MAINTAINS YOUR WARRANTY. Most warranty agreements require that the furnace be installed and maintained by a licensed HVAC company . Stay compliant, comfortable, and safe .

 HELPS PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE

LEAKS. CO leaks can be deadly . A cracked heat exchanger is a common culprit, and they can be discovered — and remedied — during a routine tune-up .

CALL HOMESENSE BEFORE THE COLD SEASON FOR A FURNACE TUNE-UP; IT’S BETTER THAN CALLING DURING THE COLD SEASON FOR AN EMERGENCY REPAIR!

317.203.8149

Installing a new furnace is a major investment in a home’s comfort, convenience, and efficiency. The Homesense team is determined to help homeowners find the right solution for their needs and budget. Their furnace product line includes high-efficiency models from industry leader Daikin.

DEPENDING ON THE SPECIFIC MODEL, HOMEOWNERS CAN ACCESS EXCEPTIONAL FEATURES, SUCH AS:

 AFUE efficiency ratings between 92% and 98%

 ComfortNet™ Communication

 Variable-speed ECM blower mower

 Self-diagnostic control board

 Secondary stainless-steel heat exchanger

 Durable silicon nitride ignition

 Modulating technology for ultra-efficient, consistent operation

The optimal option depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the home, existing construction and insulation levels, comfort goals, and budget. Homesense’s heating and cooling experts guide customers in making the right choice for their needs.