When your home's heating system needs to be upgraded or replaced, it's crucial to choose the right unit for your house before moving forward with the installation. The wrong system can cause major problems with efficiency and functionality in the future, so you should take the time to do some research and consider a number of factors when making your selection. Looking for these 3 things will help you identify the best heating system for your home.
1) Efficiency
Efficiency is an essential aspect of every heating system. The level of the system's efficiency can make a big difference in how much you'll pay for energy usage every year. Over time, an inefficient heating system could cost you an unnecessary amount of extra money. For gas, fuel, or propane systems, look for a heating option that carries a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Ideally, you'll need a heating system with an AFUE rating above 80%. At that level, the furnace is able to efficiently convert 80% of the energy into heat. If you have an electric heating system, be sure to find an option with a Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) of 12 or greater for the greatest energy savings overall.
2) System Size
Picking a heating system with adequate size for your particular home is vital. If you have a system installed that is too large for your house, then your system will be forced to work extremely hard and ultimately break down faster. The improper size will also cause substantial temperature swings at the wrong times. To determine the right size heating system that you need, your contractor should calculate a heating load estimation. This measurement includes your home's square footage, amount and location of windows, insulation, and any air leakage. With this information, you'll be able to select the appropriate heating system to best accommodate the specifications of your home.
3) Type of Energy or Fuel
Another essential element to keep in mind is the fuel or energy source that your heating system will use. Natural gas is a frequent choice in many homes, but the energy source that is right for you depends on several factors. Most importantly, you'll need to find out what fuel is available in your area. For example, if your geographic location is in short supply of natural gas, then you might select propane gas or an electric heat pump. You will also need to consider the costs of operating your system with your chosen energy source. Since some sources are more expensive than others, it's a good idea to get a detailed comparison of the prices. You can find this information at your local utility company.
Contact someone in your area for a quote on their heating system installation or repair services.
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