Many homeowners don’t think much about their heating system until it needs to be repaired or replaced. There are a lot of different options when it comes to residential heating, and it can be difficult to know which HVAC system is best for your home specifically. Here is a brief overview of the different types of heating systems available and how they work.
A heat pump is a system that extracts heat from outdoor air and delivers it indoors in the winter. It can also cool your home by extracting heat from indoor air and moving the heat outdoors. Heat pumps consist of an indoor and outdoor unit and two sets of coils that circulate refrigerant.
Gas furnaces may run on natural gas or propane. The gas is converted into heat which makes its way through air ducts to heat your home. Oil furnaces work in a similar way, but they run on oil instead. Both are very effective at heating your home. However, gas furnaces are typically more energy efficient, with an average Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 80% to 98.5%, while oil furnaces average an AFUE of 75% to 85%.
The unique feature of a ductless mini-split system is its ability to heat your home without air ducts by extracting heat from outdoor air and delivering it to an indoor unit. Ductless mini-split systems are effective at heating individual rooms in your home so you have more control over the comfort level, no matter where you are.
Boilers heat the home by circulating hot water through pipes and radiators. Boilers can be used as a heating system for your home, but there are also combination boilers that provide both heating and hot water.
There are a lot of different things to consider before you invest in a new heating system. Each system has its own pros and cons. We recommend speaking with a certified HVAC technician about your home’s ductwork and various heating priorities, such as energy efficiency, comfort, and cost.
Perhaps the most important factor to consider is how your home is currently set up. It can be difficult and expensive to switch to a new kind of heating system because it may entail ductwork, installing pipes, or other extensive work. If you’re considering a gas furnace but don’t live in an area with access to natural gas, consider whether propane is an acceptable alternative for you.
Always check the efficiency rating of any particular product you’re considering. An energy efficient HVAC system will save you money in the long run and it is better for the environment. Look for Energy Star certification to know you’re getting optimal efficiency.
Take into account both the installation price and the cost to run your heating system each month. You can easily request a flat-rate installation estimate from RSC. Our knowledgeable technicians can also help you estimate monthly costs for different types of systems.
Choosing the right size for your system will ensure it runs optimally. A heater that’s too small or too big for your home won’t effectively keep your home warm. It will either struggle to keep up with your desired temperature, or it will create hot and cold spots throughout the home as it repeats a cycle of heating up too quickly and shutting off.
Comfort should be one of your top priorities when choosing a heating system. Although each of the heating systems mentioned above work in different ways, any of them can deliver a comfortable home environment.
You also need to take into account factors like your climate and heating preferences. If you live in a very harsh and cold climate, you might choose a furnace over a heat pump, for example. Or you might opt for a ductless mini-split system if you want to have more control over the heating in individual rooms.
Whether you’re building a new home or your current system needs to be replaced, RSC Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find the best solution for your home. We only sell trusted brands like Carrier, so you know you’re getting high-quality products that will effectively heat your home. Browse our heating solutions or give us a call at (717) 299-3914.
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