A historic home is the pride of every family because it carries with it memories of prior lives and loved ones. In the United States, lots of historic homes have been transformed into very beautiful inns and restaurants. That said, older homes with their charm, require a lot of care and upgrading so that they can be suitable for modern day living. The original design may remain, but a few other components must be tweaked.

The heating and cooling aspects of historical homes are one of the major factors that need to be redone. A majority of these homes use fireplaces or stoves for heating as it was the custom then. Today, heat pumps, furnaces, and ACs are the in thing when it comes to heating and cooling therefore completely logical to get a new system for your older home. This is how you choose a befitting furnace for such a home without taking away from it the original charm.

Energy Efficiency

This is one of the topmost considerations when purchasing a furnace for historical homes. It is extremely important that you keep your energy bills within a range that is affordable. Furnaces come in three main types ranked according to the efficiency levels.

• High Efficiency Furnaces – These furnaces have an efficiency level of up to 90%.
• Mid-Efficiency Furnaces – The efficiency level here lies anywhere between 80 and 90%.
• Conventional Furnaces – These are at the lowest of the efficiency pyramid and average between 75 and 80%

Though energy efficiency is a critical factor, it is not the only reason to bear in mind when buying a furnace. This is because the efficiency level only indicates the fuel combustion and hence doesn’t speak much into the add on features.

Venting System

Historical houses have chimneys which can be used for venting, but this depends on the likes and dislikes of the homeowners. There are regulations put in place that makes it mandatory for homeowners to do some treatments on the chimneys, which can be extremely costly. The best way is to opt for a furnace that may not necessarily need a chimney to save money. There are mid-efficiency furnaces that utilize direct venting system to drive out smoke through small vents.

The Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is absolutely critical if it is to continue operating at top condition. Before you purchase a furnace, ensure you are clear on how much it will cost to maintain it. If you are not sure, consult with your local HVAC technician and plan accordingly. With maintenance, you can add longevity to your furnace.

The Cost of the Furnace

The efficiency and other attractive add-ons are important, but ultimately the cost of the furnace and your budget will dictate whether you should buy it or not. You may not necessarily need every feature the furnace comes with and therefore be ready to strike a compromise.

Nowadays, furnaces come in a variety of designs and can easily fit into your interior style without much sacrifice. Look for a furnace that aesthetically fits into your home for added value.