When homeowners go shopping for a furnace, they are confronted with all sorts of values and numbers. What is a BTU or an R-Value and how many of them do you actually need? Before installing a new furnace, contact electrical contractors in Council Bluffs, IA specializing in HVAC service to ensure that you get the right-sized furnace for your home. Buying one with too many or too few BTU’s means that you will either spend the winter shivering in your home or will be forced to pay throughout the spring and summer for the last winter’s cost of heating. In the meantime, here is a short tutorial about what these values are and how to make your selection bases upon them.
Defining BTU and R-Value
A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a unit of measure. It states how much energy must be used to raise the temperature of one pound of water by a single degree. R-Values measure the thermal resistance of building materials to heat flow. Both of these numbers matter a great deal when shopping for a furnace. Most homes use a furnace with BTU’s between 80,000 and 100,000. That number depends on both the size of the area to be heated and the number of windows (which generally are not as heat resistant as walls) and type of insulation used within the walls and attic.
How Electrical Contractors in Council Bluffs, IA Can Help You to Select Your Furnace
Having an expert come out to determine the right-sized furnace for your home makes good sense. They evaluate the environment and explain why you need a certain size and type of furnace. When you select the right one, your home will not be overheated and use excess fuel with a furnace that is too large or run continuously when the number of BTU’s is too small. Since furnaces last for an average of 20 years, that represents 20 years of fuel savings and significantly lower bills for home heating.
At A-1 United Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical, they employ certified HVAC specialists and electricians who understand heating and cooling systems. They will work with you to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter months without breaking the bank with high energy bills.
