Choosing a replacement furnace is a big decision because furnaces last a long time. An average furnace will last around 16 to 20 years. Here are six few important things you need to know when your furnace should be replaced in order to choose the best option for your household.

It's a good idea to have your entire HVAC system inspected when you're replacing your furnace.

If you have your HVAC contractor perform an inspection of your entire HVAC system, you can look out for any HVAC service needs in your household that will enhance furnace operation. In particular, you might want to have your home's ducts looked at. If there are leaks in your ducts, it's a good idea to have them sealed when you have your new furnace installed. This will maximize the efficiency of your new replacement furnace. 

You don't have to replace your old unit with the same furnace model.

Replacing your furnace gives you a great opportunity to replace it with a model that's more efficient and better suited to your home. Explore furnace options. A newer furnace model will probably come with feature options and efficiency capabilities that furnaces didn't offer back when your original furnace was installed. 

It's important to size your new unit properly.

One of the most important details to focus on when choosing a replacement furnace is size. You should choose a furnace size based on the square footage of your home. If you have put an addition on your home since your last furnace was installed, you may need to choose a bigger unit for your replacement furnace.

Discuss furnace size with your HVAC technician to select a furnace that's correctly sized for your home. 

Getting a furnace with warranty coverage is important.

Investing in a warranty is important. With a warranty, you can have the costs of repair needs covered. A warranty can give you greater peace of mind when you have a new furnace installed. 

A furnace with an ECM motor may offer some efficiency advantages for your household.

If you want to choose a furnace model that's among the most efficient available, you can choose a model with an ECM motor. Furnace ECM motors are electronically commutated motors. This means that these motors offer both high efficiency and variable speeds.

While the initial investment for having a furnace with an ECM motor may be high, you'll save money over time in reduced utility bills. 

It's a good idea to get a programmable thermostat when you replace your furnace if you don't have one already.

Programmable thermostats offer convenience and efficiency. When you get your furnace replaced, it's a great time to have your standard thermostat replaced with a programmable model. For more information, contact a furnace replacement service.