Installation of a heating system is a long-term investment and thus needs to be carried out with enough consideration. If you are dealing with a broken or damaged heating system and your repair technician advised you to replace it, you have landed at the right place. This post is all about the factors that you must consider before choosing the right heating system for your home.
Owing to technological advancements, there are several options, and picking the right one can be overwhelming for even the best of planners. After conducting different surveys on homeowners, their preferences in terms of heating systems, and asking dozens of questions from different heater installation professionals, here is a helpful guide about what factors to consider.
SEER And HSPF Rating For Heat Pumps
Let’s begin with some technical jargon. You must know the basics or else you will feel lost when you check the specs mentioned by the manufacturers. The first and foremost thing you need to consider is the energy efficiency of the system.
If the time has come to replace the heating system of your home, make sure you are opting for one that has a high HSPF and SEER rating. Also known as the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, SEER is mentioned on the heat pump and indicates the efficiency during a cooling season. Whereas the heating seasonal performance factor or HSPF measures the efficiency during a normal heating season. You need to find heat pumps that have HSPF and SEER ratings higher than 8.2 and 15 respectively.
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Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Of Heaters
You may come across the acronym AFUE when you are searching for heating systems. This rating shows the efficiency of a system in different seasons and gives you an idea about the average fuel consumption.
Older systems had AFUE anywhere between 56% to 70% whereas modern systems can provide up to 98% efficiency. There are two main types of gas furnaces, condensing and non-condensing. If you are looking for an energy-efficient system, go for condensing systems and expect to pay more as compared to its alternatives.
If you are not up for all this tough work, a simple solution is to find a product with an ENERGY STAR label.
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Size Of Your Household And Heating Needs
Once you know the heating systems that will use efficiently heat your home and help you save money, the next step is to determine the accurate size. Whether you are installing a boiler, furnace, or heat pump, you need to find the perfect size. Too big or too little of a heating system not only brings inconvenience and high energy bills but you have to replace it much sooner than you expected. The square footage of your home, age, condition, and the number of appliances that require heating are all important factors.
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Type Of Fuel
There are two main options when it comes to fuel, electricity, or gas-powered systems. The choice depends on the size of your house, the heating requirements, and the availability of the fuels. If you are replacing an old system, you need to inspect the existing plan to know what kind of fuel options you have.
In some households, the heating systems are also powered by oils. The type of fuel you choose mainly affects the energy costs instead of the heating efficiencies. You can consult a heater installation contractor to know what works best for your home.
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Age Of The Ductwork Installed In Your Home
If you are installing a heating system in a newly built home, skip this point. For those who are living in an old house, the age and condition of the existing ductwork are pretty important. Besides the deteriorating and clogged ducts, an old house has compromised insulation so you need to factor in the heat losses well ahead.
Climate Of Your Area
Living in an area with an extreme climate? You have to take full measures to maintain consistent indoor comfort in your home. The heat and air system of your home should be able to keep working for long and cold months without breaking. What is the best approach? Consult a local professional as they are well aware of the typical heating demands of your geographical area.
Professional Competence Of The Installation Contractor
Poor HVAC installation practice can render even the best heating systems useless. While you are weighing all of your options, don’t forget to factor in the professional competence of the installation contractor. Start with the legal compliance but don’t limit yourself to that. Dig deeper into the reputation of the company before letting them handle the job for you.
New heating systems have advanced technologies such as variable speed motors that you need to understand when making a purchase. A professional can help you understand these technologies and choose the right system for your home.