Finding out that you need to replace your furnace isn't exactly great news. For the average homeowner, this announcement can create a windfall of stress over financial concerns. Take a deep breath. The more you learn about the cost associated with a new installation, the better you can plan and the more you can work towards saving money. Educate yourself to minimize stress.

Efficiency Is Expensive, But Worth It

Ideally, you want to choose a new furnace that has an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE, rating of at least 90 percent. This rating offers details on the ratio between how much heat the unit will output in comparison to the amount of energy it will use to operate. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit, which translates into operational cost savings over the life of the unit.

Make sure you understand that there is somewhat of a trade-off when securing this type of unit and it comes in the form of a larger price tag. While you still need to stay within your budget, consider the long-term benefits of a high efficiency unit to help justify its costs.

Labor Costs Will Vary

Save yourself a ton of stress by remembering that labor costs will vary. When a technician gives you an estimate as to how long the new installation will take, keep in mind this is simply an estimate. Not until they start the process of removing the old unit will they be able to see some of the installation hurdles that you can't see from the outside, such as rust or corrosion around the connectors.

If you want your furnace to function correctly, any problems have to be addressed first. To stay on the safe side, consider setting aside an additional two hours' worth of labor cost so that you're protected should the job go over.

Plan Your Installation Wisely

If you're looking to save money, plan your furnace installation wisely. For instance, if you know your furnace needs to be installed now, don't wait until next winter to start considering an installation. By this time, HVAC technicians will be higher in demand.

This can mean more hectic schedules and in terms of buying a new unit, there may be less incentives offered to buyers. During slow periods for furnace installation, such as spring and summer, manufacturers are often more likely to offer special deals when sales are limited. Go ahead and get it out of the way and save money at the same time.

The more educated you are about the process, the less stressed you will be and the better you can plan.

For more information, talk to a professional like Sullivan Super Service.