Buying a new heater or furnace for your home can be a bit complicated, as there are many different types of models on the market, each with their own pros and cons. They also all come with their own price tags! 

While you may have a budget in mind for your new heater, and may know the furnace size needed for your home, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to choosing a new heater during your heater installation. Note a few of those factors here so you choose one that will work for your home's HVAC needs in particular.

Power source

A home's heater is typically electric or gas, and gas models can be powered by city-supplied gas or by a fuel tank on your property. While you might assume that the power source you already have in your home is the best choice for a new furnace, note if a different power source would be more affordable and a better option over time. 

As an example, if your city-supplied electricity is often interrupted by winter storms, you might do well to have gas plumbing installed in your home, and then invest in a propane tank or other such fuel supply for wintertime. On the other hand, you might find that propane prices fluctuate too much in your area, and may want to close off the gas plumbing in your home and opt for an electrical heater instead.

Energy efficiency

Energy-efficient appliances sometimes cost more to purchase, but they can be a good choice for your budget in the long run. An energy-efficient appliance doesn't necessarily need less energy to function, but it uses more power for its intended purpose, versus other functions. 

In other words, an energy-efficient furnace will use more of the power it receives for actually heating your home, versus running other parts of the heater itself. In turn, you may pay less money for heat during wintertime, making that energy-efficient heater a good investment overall.

Installation costs

When buying a heater of any type, you'll want to consider the installation costs, but don't assume you can manage this job yourself. You might assume you can buy an electric furnace and simply plug it in, but a heater often needs to be connected to the wiring of the thermostat, making that installation more complicated than you realize. Consider installation costs when it comes to your budget, but don't skimp on the services of a professional installer for your new heater either.