| Choosing the home comfort system
that’s right for you, your home, and your family is no small
task. And certainly not one to be taken lightly. There are a
lot of factors to consider such as the age of your home, its
overall energy efficiency, location, the size and layout of
your home, and even your lifestyle. Do you want an integrated
system that addresses all your heating, cooling and air
quality needs in one? Or, are you simply replacing or adding
one system or another? Obviously, budgetary constraints are
important too. What are the tradeoffs between up-front
equipment and installation costs versus energy costs over the
life of the system. Will spending a little extra now save you
a bundle over time? How will your choice affect the resale
value of your home? What can you expect in terms of
guarantees, warranties and ongoing service?
A thumbnail answer to all these questions would certainly
be a disservice. But here are a few guidelines that we hope
will be helpful. For more details on our equipment and
services, please browse the products and service area of our
site. Or, for a FREE personalized consultation with a Solano
Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. home comfort specialist, call
1-800-267-8808 today.
New Construction or Remodel
If you’re building a
new home or undertaking a major residential remodel, look to
have a system custom designed to integrate heating, cooling
and Indoor Air Quality in one. The architect and engineer on
your project should give you a wide range of options and
explain the pluses and minuses of each. The relative economy
of forced air (gas and oil furnaces) versus radiant heat
(electrical and hot water systems) may vary with energy costs
from region to region. Local climate may also influence your
decision. See our Total Home Comfort page or our Integrated
Systems page for more information on this subject.
System upgrade
If you’re simply replacing an
inefficient or failed component, (furnace, air conditioner,
water heater or other) your choices may be more limited by the
infrastructure already built into your home. Conversion may be
an option, such as from heating oil to natural gas, but the
costs may or may not be justified by the savings over time.
While the heating systems of today are more efficient and
reliable than ever before, heating is still a major expense in
most homes. Those living in northern climates that experience
more frequent and severe cold weather may spend up to
two-thirds of their energy budget on heating alone. The cost
itself illustrates the importance of understanding what kind
of system will provide your family with affordable comfort.
The different types of heating systems to choose from
are:
Gas and Oil
These types of furnaces provide your home with even heat
by circulating it throughout your home through ducts. This
circulating system is also known as forced air.
When purchasing these kinds of heating systems, be sure to
request “sealed combustion.” These specific types of furnaces
use outside air to burn the fuel. Not only does this increase
energy efficiency, but it also reduces the chance of
introducing dangerous combustion gasses into your home
Boilers
A Boiler usually heats your home by circulating heated
steam or water through a series of pipes and a baseboard or
radiator-type heat exchanger. Unlike a forced air furnace, a
boiler does not circulate air through the house, which might
make the air inside the home feel stuffier.
Where vaulted ceilings are involved, radiant floor heat is
more efficient and provides a warmer and more comfortable area
than furnace (forced air) heat. Instead of rising, the heat
remains on the floor where it can be felt underneath all kinds
of floor cover including: stone, wood, tile or carpet.
Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps are much more reliable than they were 10 years
ago. Electric heat pumps are an energy-efficient way of
heating (and cooling) your home. In places where gas in
unavailable or electricity makes the most economic sense, heat
pumps are your best option.
Electric Resistance
Electric resistance heating, typically found in the form
of baseboard heaters, electric wall heaters, electric radiant
heat, electric space heaters, electric furnaces, or electric
thermal storage systems is often used in multi-family
dwellings, like apartment houses. The unit has an electric
heating element enclosed in metal piping. The heating unit
warms air, which rises to the top of the room while cooler air
in the room is drawn into the bottom of the heater. Each unit
has its own thermostat, which permits different temperatures
in each room. Electric heat is often more expensive than heat
produced by combustion appliances like oil, propane, and
natural gas furnaces.
The cost of an electric resistance heating system may
force you to switch to either a gas, oil, or heat pump system.
If you already have a gas, oil, or heat pump system you may
want to switch based on the system’s efficiency and what
measures could be taken to improve it. However, because the
pipes and storage tank are already in place, you will probably
want to continue using your gas or oil heating system.
Climate
In cold climates, it is a wise decision
to invest in an extremely efficient heating system (about
95%), while those living in a milder climate may want to
invest in a system with standard efficiency (around 80%). Your
budget will also help you determine which system makes the
most sense for you.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a new heating
system could range from a few hundred dollars to a few
thousand. In considering what system is right for your needs,
you need to decide on a type of fuel, a balance cost, a
reliable contractor, and a sufficient warranty. It may be a
good idea to ask a reputable dealer in your area to evaluate
your heating and cooling needs, especially if your system is
more than 10 years old.
To help you make the best decision regarding what kind of
heating system (model, brand name, heating capacity, and
efficiency) you should invest in, check out The Consumer Guide
to Home Energy Savings. This guide comes complete with charts
that allow you to calculate economical savings and energy
efficiency that will accompany various
systems. |
