For many Milford MA homeowners, summer is the perfect time to buy a new furnace. You have time to do your homework and find the best deal for your energy dollar. While low sticker prices are attractive, remember that the upfront cost of HVAC equipment usually accounts for only 20 percent to 25 percent of the overall cost. The bulk of what you'll pay will be operating costs and maintenance.

Furnace systems and automobiles share a few common factors: Regularly changing the car's oil is part and parcel of owning it. Tiny metal filings and deposits collect in the motor oil with use and must be removed. Choosing not to change the oil increases these deposits and lowers gasoline mileage, leading to costly problems for the vehicle engine. 

The complexity of home comfort equipment has brought about a need for homeowner education. With winter approaching, many homeowners are searching to replace outdated, inefficient furnaces. The staff at Rodenhiser would like to help you sort through some of the more important factors you need to know in order to make your decision easier. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision:

AFUE ratings specify the annual fuel-utilization efficiency of furnaces. The rating, expressed as a percentage, indicates how much of the fuel consumed is actually converted to heat; higher numbers represent higher efficiency. Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings also tend to be more expensive, but these are not the only numbers to consider when upgrading your furnace.

You’re feeling a chill, but then you’re breaking out in a sweat. Your furnace has conked out and you’re ready to hit the panic button.

When your furnace gets too old or starts giving you headaches from breaking down or increasing energy bills, it’s probably time to start researching furnace installation options.

Before any furnace installation, you need to pick a furnace according to these three factors: