subject: Choosing a Heating System for Your Home [print this page] Choosing a Heating System for Your Home Choosing a Heating System for Your Home
Your home's heating system is one of the most important systems in your home. Heating systems vary according to cost, efficiency, fuel type, and overall features. If you are building a new home or installing a new heating system in an existing home, you'll want to make sure to choose one that will best suit your needs. Here are some tips that will help you make this important decision.
Choose a Properly Sized System
Size is a very important consideration when choosing a heating system for a home or business. If the unit is too large, your energy consumption and heating costs will be too high. Larger heating systems also cost more, so you don't want to pay for a larger system unless you really need it. On the other hand, if you get a system that is too small for your needs, it will have to work too hard to try to meet your heating requirements. This may result in your home being too cold, and it might even be the cause of the early failure of your heating system. If you are replacing a heating system, chances are you will want the same size unit, as long as the previous size was adequate. If you are putting a heating system in a new home, you should consult with a reputable HVAC contractor who can help you determine the proper size.
Choosing a Cost-Efficient System
Heating systems vary according to their level of fuel efficiency. A high efficiency heating system will save you money over time, but of course will cost more initially. Since most heating systems have an expected lifetime of 20 years or more, the higher initial cost of a high efficiency system is usually recouped because of the lower heating costs. Additionally, there are sometimes tax credits that you can utilize when you purchase a high efficiency system. Of course, saving money is only part of the benefit of purchasing a high efficiency furnace. You'll also have the peace of mind of knowing you are helping to save energy, which is good for the environment.
Gas or Electric?
In some cases, this decision might already be made for you, if you have an all-electric home without access to natural gas. When given the choice, many people prefer natural gas, especially when natural gas prices are low. In some areas, propane-fueled furnaces are also a popular option. However, electric furnaces also have their fans, including those who have installed electric heat pump furnaces. Although heat pumps are often not the best choice for areas that have very cold winters, they can be a great money and energy saving solution for more moderate climates. An air-source heat pump can often deliver the same amount of heat at half the cost of a regular electric furnace. As a bonus, these systems can also be used to efficiently keep a home cooler during the summer months. Heat pumps work in a way that allows them to move the warmer air in either direction, based on whether home heating or cooling is desired. There are also ground-source heat pumps which work in a similar fashion.
