You may think it’s insignificant, but picking the right location for a furnace is extremely crucial. If you don’t place it well, you won’t be able to heat your home efficiently. It will also make your heating system less energy-efficient, costing you more money on bills. However, before you decide on the perfect furnace area, there are many things you need to consider. For instance, you have to ensure your furnace has access to fresh air and proper ventilation. Also, where you place it will depend on the fuel you use.
All of that makes other tasks, like spring door replacement, look like a piece of cake (although, once you look at this garage door spring replacement guide, you may change your mind). With all that in mind, you should think about finding an ideal spot very carefully. And to help you with that, we’ve prepared the following guide on how to choose the right place for your furnace in your house.
Key Factors
As mentioned above, there are many things you should consider before deciding on the best furnace spot. You have to make sure there’s enough space and air circulation. Also, don’t forget to make sure your furnace has the best possible access to its energy source.
That’s not all, though. Various furnaces have different requirements you also need to think about before the installation. The key factors you should think about are fuel type, furnace size, and heating system efficiency. For help in installing the furnace once you find your best spot, get professional help from summersphc.com/chesterton/services/heating/furnace-installation/.
Fuel
In general, you can choose between propane, natural gas, electricity, and heating oil when picking your air furnace. The most popular among them is gas, known for its energy efficiency and availability.
What’s more, a gas furnace is much cheaper to buy and install than the second most popular oil furnace. However, if your living area doesn’t have access to gas, oil is probably your best bet, especially if you have a large house. As per the Nelson Propane experts, you must hire experienced and knowledgeable contractors to install new lines.
For smaller homes, we recommend electric furnaces. Once you decide on the type, you need to ensure that your air furnace has easy access to the energy source. Gas furnaces, for instance, require larger spaces, like basements or garages.
Size
Size matters? Well, it depends on what’s on your mind. When it comes to picking the right spot for your furnace, though, the statement couldn’t have been more accurate. First of all, it’s not just about the space you want to put your furnace in. You also need to consider the size of your whole home. To ensure you always make the right call, you should follow one simple rule – the larger the area to heat, the bigger the furnace.
But, of course, bigger furnaces require larger spaces. However, don’t forget about other factors when looking for a room to install your furnace. It should be not only spacious enough but also fit other energy efficiency requirements.
Energy Efficiency
The type and location of furnaces play crucial roles in keeping heating systems efficient. Of course, it takes much more than that, but deciding on an efficient fuel and location should be your top priority.
Your furnace needs a space with proper ventilation, excellent air circulation, and direct access to its energy source. We’ve mentioned them before, but these factors are absolutely crucial in ensuring your heat distribution is efficient.
Maintenance
Another crucial factor you should think about is ensuring it’s easily available for repairs. As a rule of thumb, you should make it as accessible as possible.
Keep in mind that your furnace will require regular maintenance, and putting it in a cluttered room can make things complicated. Not to mention that too much clutter can obstruct the airflow.
Most Popular Locations for Furnaces
What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you think about the best place for a furnace? The answer is probably a garage, basement, or various kinds of utility rooms. If that’s your call, then you’re absolutely right.
Every house owner knows that they should place their furnace somewhere where it doesn’t clash with the home’s design and usability. However, even when choosing among the most popular location for a furnace, you should think about the considerations mentioned above.
Attic
When it comes to the best location for a furnace, attics are probably the least popular. Sure, it’s easily accessible, and considering that attics are usually large, it gives your furnace enough space. In case you decide to install a furnace in the attic, you must make sure attic cleaning is properly done on time always.
The most significant problem, however, is the noise. Ideally, furnaces should be installed in secluded areas, and while the attic definitely counts as one, the noise can be annoying if the area isn’t soundproof.
Basement
Similar to attics, basements are secluded and offer furnaces enough space to work efficiently. However, what makes them superior (aside from the peace and quiet), is that your furnace will be much easier to access if it needs repairs.
What’s more, since basements are below the surface, they’re better protected from moisture and heat issues. Also, make sure you install your unit above the floor to protect it from potential flooding.
Garage
But what about homes that have neither basements nor attics? If that’s the case with you, the best thing to do is place the furnace in your garage. If you have one, of course, and if it offers enough space.
There’s one problem, though. Before you put your furnace there, you have to make sure your drainage system is efficient. Too much moisture can damage the furnace, forcing you to spend money on repairs.
Bottom Line
An efficient and high-quality furnace is one thing. The other is ensuring to put in the perfect location for a furnace. It may seem insignificant, but where you place the furnace plays a significant role in keeping your heat distribution efficient.
As you can see, there are many things to think about when deciding on the best spot possible. However, only by considering them all, you’ll ensure your furnace plays its part.
Also, to make your system more efficient, arm your home with a reliable thermostat, and insulate it properly. Only by combining these three things, you’ll be able to create the best heating possible.
