There should be no impulse purchases when it comes to heating systems. After all, a heating system represents a large investment on your part and your family's comfort depends on several factors that must be carefully considered before making the purchase decision. Space heating is also one of the highest energy expenditures in buildings, and a heating system with ideal characteristics and capacity achieves the lowest operating cost.
Climate
If you live in areas where subzero temperatures are normal during the winter, a furnace would be perfect as it generates heat through a standard combustion process.
A heat pump, on the other hand, is ideal for those who live in regions with generally mild winters. It heats a building by transferring heat from outside to inside the home – its operation is similar to that of an air conditioner, but the heat is moved in the opposite direction.
While many heat pump models are not ideal for locations with cold winters, a furnace remains a viable option for those who reside in locations where temperatures do not drop near or below freezing in the winter. Some modern heat pumps are rated for sub-zero temperatures, but a professional opinion is highly recommended before final purchase.
Power supply
Speak with a trusted HVAC contractor to discuss fuel or energy options for your new heating system.
- The most common fuels are natural gas, fuel oil and propane.
- You can also opt for electric furnaces and heat pumps.
Convenience, availability and cost are the factors you need to weigh before choosing any fuel or energy source and, by extension, your heating system. For example, electric heating systems can be very expensive to operate in places with expensive electricity.
Capacity
The rated capacity of your heating system must match your space heating needs. If you buy a heating unit that is too large for your home, you will end up generating more heat than necessary, which is incredibly inefficient. A heating system that is too small won't help you at all either, as it will have to work harder to heat your space, which leads to higher energy consumption and utility bills.
An HVAC professional can help you find the right-sized heating system for your home. A simple load calculation should resolve the issue, considering the following factors:
- Size and thermal characteristics of your home
- Number of people living in it
- Insulation levels
- Personal preferences
Typically, your HVAC professional will follow the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J when performing the load calculation.
Efficiency
If you want to keep your heating bills manageable, it's important to purchase an efficient heating system.
- The U.S. Department of Energy has established the AFUE rating or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency as the national standard for measuring furnace combustion efficiency.
- For heat pumps, efficiency is described by the HSPF or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.
- Choose heating systems with higher AFUE or HSPF ratings as they are more efficient.
Keep in mind that AFUE and HSPF cannot be compared to each other as they describe completely different efficiency scales. You can compare combustion and electric heating performance based on operating costs – an HVAC professional can estimate the operating cost of each option based on efficiency ratings and local energy prices.
Total cost of heating systems
You must consider not only the selling price of a heating system, but also the installation cost and the expenses you can expect in the long term for operation and maintenance. For example, heat pumps are more expensive than resistance heaters, but they typically achieve electricity savings of 50% or more.
To repair
As robust as modern heating systems have become, they still require maintenance throughout their lifetime. Before purchasing a heating system, you should check to see if the manufacturer of the brand you are considering has certified one or more HVAC repair companies in your area. It is the best way to ensure that your heating system will be optimally maintained in the event of a breakdown.
Always keep these factors in mind when looking for a heating system that will keep you and your family comfortable in the winter. Let them serve as a guide to ensure the system you are purchasing is worth every dollar you spend.
About the author
Michelle West is senior content editor at Precision Air and Heating , an HVAC repair company in sunny Arizona. Michelle enjoys writing about topics that help people across the country make their homes more efficient and environmentally friendly.
