Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Heating System

Are you looking for a new heating system for your home? Do you want to replace your old or malfunctioning system? You may probably feel confused by the different types of heating options in the market.

Your family’s comfort and warmth are a priority. Therefore, the type of heating system you choose will significantly impact the comfort level and the overall energy costs you will have to make after that.

With the variety of options at hand, shopping for a new heating system can be a confusing task. Remember, it’s crucial to make the right choice because you will have to deal with the outcome for some time to come. To make your decision-making more manageable, you need to take into consideration the following factors.

1. Fuel Type

Most heating systems are run by oil or gas. The most popular heating system is natural gas. However, in areas where these energy sources are not accessible, Lp or propane are the only options. Most homeowners depend on a heating oil delivery service to supply their heating system oil needs.

Alternatively, homeowners opt for electric heat pumps or furnaces to keep their houses warm. Before choosing the heating type, consider the readily available fuel type affordable for you.

2. Efficiency

Always check the efficiency rating before purchasing a heating system because a furnace operating cost tends to be high during cold seasons. The SEER (Seasonal energy efficiency ratio) helps express an air conditioner’s efficiency to determine the unit’s overall cost and efficiency. The energy efficiency rating is marked by a yellow guide sticker to display the energy efficiency ratings.

The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) helps confirm the heating efficiency rating for gas or oil furnaces. For electric pumps, the HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor) is the determinant.

3. Size

The size of a heating and cooling system matters when it comes to its functioning capability.  To avoid high energy bills and regular repairs, make sure your heating system is not oversized or undersized.  A big system will short cycle, and your home heats up quickly while a smaller unit will put in the extra work to meet your heating needs.

It may be challenging to get the right size of heating system for your home. Your local technician can perform a calculation for your home to help you achieve favorable results.

4. Distribution System

Forced air or circulating hot water distributes heat throughout the house. In the USA, the most common system is the forced air, where the heat is distributed through the air ducts. The advantage with the air ducts is their ability to humidify the air and act as central air conditioning.  This type of system requires minimal maintenance and provides heat efficiently.

The hot water system uses boilers for heating water. The water is circulated throughout the house through plastic or copper pipings. Some of the pipings are enclosed on the floor and radiate heat in the entire room.

5. Overall Costs

Before purchasing your heating system, consider the overall costs of running and maintaining the general system. Old systems may require a considerable amount of money to maintain. It is better to replace them with newer and more effective heating systems to cut costs.

Please consult a professional contractor who will provide you with the necessary information to help you know your desired heating system’s average maintenance cost before buying it.

6. Type of Home

The size of the home will determine the best capable heating systems. Some heating systems tend to be more effective in larger homes as compared to smaller ones. A newly built home may handle the latest heating systems, but an existing or older home may require several considerations before setting up the system.