Shopping for new heating equipment? Good news, you have plenty of company. Every year thousands of homeowners purchase new heating systems for their homes.
To meet consumer demand manufacturers continue to add useful features.
Here are some key features you should know about before making your final decision.
Improvements in Energy Efficiency
Heating equipment has come a long way when it comes to saving energy. You’ll definitely want to look for a high AFUE rating. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is at converting fuel to heat.
Look for furnaces that offer at least 90% AFUE. Some high-efficiency units even push that number up to 98%.
Heat pumps have two different ratings you should know about. Look for air conditioning systems that have SEER ratings higher than 16. For heat pumps, the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor should be above 9.
See also: Everything You Need to Know About Making Bread at Home
Smart Thermostats & Zone Heating Controls
Technology has even made its way into our home comfort systems. Smart thermostats learn your family’s schedule and adjust temperatures accordingly. Your home is warmed just before you walk through the door. When you leave for work or on vacation, your thermostat saves energy.
Check out systems that allow you to control settings from your smartphone or tablet. No matter where you are, you can change the temp inside your home before you arrive. If you enjoy using voice commands, see which brands integrate with Alexa or Google Home.
Zoned heating allows you to customize temps by room. There’s no need to heat rooms that aren’t being used. Heating can be adjusted by each person’s preference.
Variable Speed Technology
Earlier heating systems had blowers and compressors that ran at one speed. Today’s variable speed motors adjust to your heating or cooling needs.
Equipment runs at a lower speed for longer periods of time. Your home stays cooler or warmer without as many temperature fluctuations. In addition, your heating equipment will operate more quietly.
Variable speed tech also helps eliminate humidity in your home. Cleaner air means improved indoor air quality for you and your family.
Advanced Air Filtration
Newer heating equipment can help keep your family breathing healthier air. Look for Heating systems with HEPA filtration systems.
HEPA filters capture allergens and dust that standard systems allow to pass through. You and your family will enjoy cleaner air, which reduces allergy symptoms.
Some manufacturers offer equipment with UV light technology. Bacteria and mold are destroyed before they can spread throughout your home.
Quiet Operation
No one likes a loud furnace. If the noise your heating equipment makes is bothering you. Look for quieter models with sound ratings under 60 decibels.
Insulated cabinets muffle noise generated by your equipment. Variable speed motors are much quieter than single-speed motors from years past.
Not only will you be able to hear less of your equipment running. You also won’t disturb anyone when watching movies or during quiet hours.
Durability & Longevity
When spending a good amount of money on heating equipment. You want it to last as long as possible. Stainless steel heat exchangers are more durable.
These exchangers are less prone to corrosion. Make sure you check the warranty that comes with your new equipment.
Many manufacturers offer up to 10-year warranties. Some brands even offer lifetime warranties on heat exchangers.
Safety Features
Your family can rest easy knowing modern heating systems have safety features. There are sensors that will automatically shut your system off.
Carbon monoxide and gas leaks are things of the past with new systems. Electronic ignition is another great feature that’s safer than older pilot lights.
Equipment that uses sealed combustion is even better. This means your heating system is pulling air from outdoors to burn its fuel.
Maintenance Features and Indicators
No one wants to remember when their heating system was last serviced. New systems will let you know when it’s time for your heating equipment to be checked.
Some systems will alert you via your phone when it’s time to change the filter. Self-diagnostic features make it easier for repair techs to know what’s wrong.
Instead of taking a refrigerator to look for problems. They will be able to pinpoint the problem immediately. This means repairs can be done in a timely manner and at a cheaper cost.
Earth Friendly Features
Some homeowners take pride in buying HVAC equipment that’s friendly for the earth. There are many equipment options available that use environmentally friendly refrigerants.
These refrigerants won’t harm the ozone layer. Not only are you helping the earth, but you’re saving money too! If you want to go green look into equipment that can work with solar panels or geothermal technology.
High-efficient furnaces help reduce the usage of fossil fuels. By doing this you are cutting back on carbon emissions.
Works with your existing equipment
You don’t have to rip out all of your old equipment just to upgrade. Many modern HVAC systems can use your existing ductwork.
Ask your HVAC contractor which equipment will work with the current system you have in place. It can save you money by not having to install new ductwork.
Hybrid heating systems are another great option. These types of systems can utilize a heat pump and furnace. Depending on the temperature outside the system will decide what method is most efficient to heat your home.
Real Case Study: Energy Savings From Smart Heating Features
One of the best real-world examples of modern heating features leading to quantifiable benefits can be found in Google Nest’s recently published energy savings report, which was conducted using real energy usage data from thousands of homes.
Nest found that homeowners saved an average of 10–12% on heating energy by using features like a learning schedule, automatic temperature setbacks, and occupancy sensors with their Nest smart thermostat. Homes that were zoned and had variable heating and cooling usage throughout the day benefited even more because their system wasn’t heating empty rooms.
Nest’s energy savings report is great because it measures how features like smart controls, automation, and usage-based temperature adjustments led to less energy waste and maintained comfort.
You can find Nest’s complete, public report here: 👉 https://nest.com/energy-savings/
This example demonstrates how modern heating equipment features such as smart thermostats, zoning compatibility, variable speed technology, intelligent controls and more aren’t just “nice-to-have” extras. Instead, they have a big impact on running costs, energy efficiency, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important modern feature to look for in new heating equipment?
Although many features impact efficiency, energy efficiency should be your top priority. Look for furnaces with high AFUE ratings and heat pumps with high HSPF ratings. While they may cost more initially, they’ll waste less fuel or electricity and save you money on heating bills in the long run.
Do smart thermostats really save energy?
Yes! Smart thermostats help you avoid wasting energy by learning your schedule and programming itself automatically. They can also adjust temperature settings when you’re asleep or away from home. Most users see significant savings after installing a smart thermostat without losing comfort.
How does variable speed technology help with efficiency?
Instead of running at full speed all the time, variable speed motors ramp their output up and down as needed. This leads to quieter operation, less energy consumption, and better temperature regulation.
Will zoning really make a difference in my small home?
While zoning is ideal for large or multi-level homes, smaller residences can benefit from it too. By not heating unused rooms in your house, you can improve comfort and lower heating costs.
Will advanced air filters actually improve my indoor air quality?
Definitely. Filters with HEPA filtration or whole-home UV purification systems eliminate microscopic contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and more from your indoor air.
How loud are today’s furnaces and heat pumps?
Many models run at less than 60 decibels, which is about as loud as a normal conversation. Insulated cabinet enclosures and variable speed motors are a big reason why.
Can I install modern heating equipment that works with what I already have?
Yes, in most cases. Many high-efficiency systems can use existing ductwork or serve as a second heating source as part of a hybrid heating system.
Do heating systems with eco-friendly features cost more?
Not always. While some equipment may cost more initially, you may be able to take advantage of manufacturer rebates or utility incentives. Not to mention they’ll use less fuel which saves you money.
Final Words
Finding the right heating equipment can be a daunting task. After reading this you should have a general idea of what you want. As with anything, remember to do your research before making a final decision. Efficiency and smart technology are always great features to have. Not only will you save money, but your comfort will be optimized.
Air filtration and quiet operation are things you want too. Who wants to live in a home where you can hear the furnace run? By having these features you’ll notice an improvement in your indoor air quality.
You spend a lot of money on new heating equipment. Don’t settle for heating systems that are outdated and won’t last. Take your time comparing all of your options. By doing this your new equipment will give you many years of comfortable service.
