There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right heating system for your home. Let’s go over them to determine the one that’s just right for you.
Cost
The cost of heating your home varies depending on the type of system you choose. The best systems are energy-efficient, clean, and affordable to operate over time.
Most homes have one of two different types of heating systems: furnaces or heat pumps. Both offer the same basic purpose — to warm up indoor air and transfer it through ductwork to other areas of your house.
Gas furnaces and electric heat pumps are both common options, but they have distinct advantages and disadvantages. For example, a gas furnace uses natural gas to burn in a combustion chamber, creating hot air that is then forced through your ductwork and into your home via a fan.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, use a refrigerant to absorb heat from outside air and transfer it inside your home. They are also more efficient than furnaces, which means they use less fuel and generate fewer emissions.
Your local utility rates are also a good place to start when considering which system is best for your home. As the prices of gas and oil continue to rise (click here for more information), you’ll likely see your monthly bills increase as well.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to saving you money on your energy bills, a heat pump or a furnace can help protect the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is especially true for homes and buildings that have high energy consumption rates, which contribute to the majority of the nation’s emissions.
Regardless of whether you use electricity, natural gas, or oil for heating, the most energy efficient heat pumps and furnaces can save you up to 20% on your annual energy bill. These units can also provide additional benefits, such as improved air quality and lower humidity levels in the home.
The energy efficiency of a heat pump or furnace depends on how much heat it successfully converts into heat energy. This is measured in Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The higher the AFUE, the better the energy efficiency.
A high-efficiency gas furnace can have an AFUE of as high as 98.5%, which is significantly better than older furnaces that typically have AFUE rates as low as 56%. Using a high-efficiency unit can cut your gas bills and reduce carbon pollution by more than 360 million metric tons over 30 years, according to the US Department of Energy. You can visit https://www.energy.gov/ for more information.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently proposed a rule that would require new furnaces to be as efficient as heat pumps. The agency estimates that this would reduce carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons and save consumers $1.9 billion in electricity costs over three decades. The rule could push as many as 7.3% of homeowners to choose a heat pump when replacing an old furnace.
Maintenance
Another thing to consider when choosing between these systems is their upkeep. Both heat pump and furnace require professional maintenance to operate at their optimum performance levels. This means you should schedule regular service calls for both systems to keep your home comfortable and save money on energy bills.
A licensed technician will perform an inspection of your heating and cooling system to ensure all components are in good working order. They will check the ducts, blower, filters, indoor coil, drain line and pan, electric terminals, electrical connections, motors and belts for any debris or blockages that could cause malfunctions.
Installation
In most climates, heat pumps can deliver reliable heating and cooling in a single system. They are also energy efficient, reducing your heating costs while delivering comfort.
To get the best value for your money, be sure to install a system that’s sized according to your climate and home’s heating and cooling load.
Another good way to find a professional is to check the Better Business Bureau or local yellow pages. Then, call for price quotes. A reputable contractor should do a complete inspection of your home and ductwork before providing you with a price quote.
These professionals can help you determine which of these systems would be best suited for your home.