Buying a heating system for your home can be challenging. There are so many great options on the market that it’s hard to narrow down the best ones. But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll go over the most important things you need to know about each heating system type to help you pick the perfect one. In general, you should consider your house size and ensure that the heating system‘s size can warm every room.
Furnace
Furnaces are one of the most popular choices in American homes. They use forced air heating to warm your home. Here’s everything you should consider before choosing a furnace for your home heating system:
– Cost (upfront, maintenance, installation, repair): On average, the upfront cost of a furnace can be between $2,800 to $7,000. Discuss the installation, repair, and maintenance costs with your HVAC.
– Fuel: A furnace is available in 4 types, named after the fuels they utilize. There are natural gas, electric, oil, and propane furnace. The most economical of these is natural gas, followed by propane. Also, consider the emissions from each fuel.
– Efficiency: A furnace’s efficiency depends on how much fuel it utilizes to create warmth. With higher efficiency furnaces, you get more warmth in lesser fuel consumed.
– Space required: Ensure there’s at least a 30-inch gap between the heater and furnace room walls.
– Furnace life expectancy: A well-maintained furnace can last 15 – 20 years on average.
Boiler
After furnaces, boilers are probably the most popular heating option for American homes. They provide energy-efficient radiant heating. Here’s everything you should know before getting a boiler for your home heating system:
– Cost (upfront, maintenance, installation, repair): On average, the upfront cost of a boiler is between $3,600 – $8,200. A boiler installation is generally costlier than a furnace installation. But the maintenance and repair costs are generally lower because it’s less likely to break down.
– Fuel: A boiler can run on natural gas, oil, or coal. The most economical and commonly used fuel is natural gas.
– Efficiency: Like a furnace, you should consider how much warmth you’re getting for the fuel burnt to save you money in the long run.
– Boiler life expectancy: The average life expectancy of a boiler is 10 – 15 years, but a well-maintained one can last up to 30 years.
Heat Pump
A heat pump heating system is steadily gaining popularity owing to its convenience and small size. Here’s everything you need to know before you get a heat pump heating system:
– Cost (upfront, maintenance, installation, repair): On average, a heat pump can cost between ,000 – ,000. The installation cost varies depending on the type of heat pump and your HVAC.
– Fuel: A heat pump doesn’t require fuel, so you’ll save on the cost entirely. This also means that it has greater efficiency.
– Climate: It is well-suited for temperate climates where the winters aren’t freezing because it can malfunction due to ice.
– Summer Usage: A heat pump can double as an air conditioner during summer.
– Life expectancy: On average, a heat pump lasts 10 – 15 years.
Radiant Heating
If you’re having your house remodeled, you’ve probably considered radiant heating as an option. Here’s everything you need to know about radiant heating as a heating system:
– Cost (upfront, maintenance, installation, repair): Radiant heating is installed in the floors, walls, or ceiling on a per-square footage basis. It’s more expensive to install than the other three. It also requires regular checkups to ensure they are no problems.
– Fuel: It can run on electricity or natural gas, but you’ll require a boiler installed for natural gas usage.
– Efficiency: A radiant heater might use energy more efficiently than a furnace because of no duct losses. Also, consider that a radiant heating system generally takes a little more time to heat up than the other three.
– Radiant heating life expectancy: On average, a radiant floor heating system can last anywhere from 10 – 50 years.
Wrapping Up
We hope this blog has helped you get a better idea of your primary heating options. If you’re looking for an effective HVAC solution, you should call Premier Comfort ASAP!
We’re a premium HVAC provider based in Brighton, Colorado. We pride ourselves on how much we care. We go beyond the standard HVAC provider. Our honest, courteous team of professionals works with you to find the perfect HVAC solution.
