When you need a new heater, you might be surprised to learn about how many options are available. The standard gas furnace, still the most popular heating system in the country, is not necessarily the best choice for your home—though it is for some. How can you tell?
Today, we want to help you select the right system for your home. However, you should know that it’s tough to say without getting a look at your home and your ventilation system. Call the experts on our team to get your estimate today.
Furnace
A gas furnace is the most popular choice for homes across the U.S. In part, that’s because it’s such an easy and inexpensive setup for most home settings. They heat air at a set of burners (or electric coils) and move that heated air throughout the home. Today’s furnaces are quite efficient, and they tend to last a long time.
You should choose a furnace if…
- Your home has a ventilation system that has previously housed a furnace without much trouble.
- You have access to a natural gas line. (Electric furnaces are often low-cost installations, but they cost a lot to run.)
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly heating-only installation.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is a heating and cooling system in one. The exact same components used for air conditioning—refrigerant, a set of coils and valves, fan motors—are also used for heating, with the addition of a few others. The heat pump moves heat out of the home, when in air conditioning mode, and moves heat back indoors when in heating mode (even in very low temperatures).
You should choose a heat pump if…
- Your home has a ventilation system that has previously housed a furnace without much trouble.
- You’re looking to save money over time. A heat pump is highly efficient since moving heat requires less energy than heat generation.
- You have no access to a gas line. (A heat pump uses less electricity than a gas furnace.)
- You live in an area with a relatively mild climate. (We go over one exception below.)
Dual Fuel System
Finally, there’s the dual-fuel system, combining the heat pump and gas furnace. This is an excellent system for anyone hoping to save money over time. While it is an investment, you’ll get the best in both comfort and efficiency. The heat pump saves electricity when temperatures allow. As temperatures drop too low to run without wasting energy, the dual-fuel system automatically switches to gas power.
The Right Size
No matter what type of heating system you end up with, perhaps the most important thing is that it’s the right size for your home. Choosing the “best” heating system on your own may only lead to heartbreak, as you might find out that the deal you were set on is actually unavailable in your size range.
It’s important to find the correctly-sized system for your home. Too small, and it will not be able to completely heat your home (but will waste energy trying. Too large, and it may short cycle, starting and stopping too frequently. The best heating system, in the end, is one that a qualified technician helps you to select.
GRmetro Heating and Cooling Inc installs and services heating systems in Grand Rapids MI. Contact us today.
