Whether you are remodeling your home or need to replace a faulty unit, you may be considering a new heating system. Luckily, there are a wealth of different systems to choose from, so you can be sure that there is one that is perfectly suited to the specific requirements of your home. Unfortunately, this vast range of choices can be a little daunting, so here are some factors to consider to make an informed decision.
Location:
If you are currently renovating your home and need to upgrade your heating system, it may be a great opportunity to consider whether your furnace is placed in the ideal location. If your furnace is located in the garage or another uninsulated area of the home, you may be losing precious heat in the winter months. Therefore, if your existing furnace is in the attic or garage, it is the perfect time to relocate it to a better insulated area of your home.
Size:
Choosing the correct size of heating equipment is almost as important as its energy efficiency rating. Not only will a properly sized furnace cost less for operation, but it is also less likely to suffer from faults and breakdowns. Buying an oversized unit will cause short cycling which reduces efficiency, but a smaller unit will be unlikely to meet the requirements of your home.
Energy Efficiency:
All heating systems will feature an efficiency rating, which illustrates how much heat is lost during operation. All systems will lose heat to some degree, but this can vary greatly. The efficiency rating system is based on the percentage of heat output which is directed to heating the home. This means that furnaces with an AFUE (or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of 90% only wastes 10% of the energy used.
Usage Costs:
Installing a new heating system should be considered a long term investment. While it may cost a little more initially for a more energy efficient system, the savings on the usage costs in the long term will more than compensate for this additional cost. In order to estimate the length of time it will take to recoup the purchase, installation and operating costs, you need to divide the installation costs by the annual energy savings. Heating professionals will be able to assist you in determining the usage costs and whether a higher efficiency model is best suited to your needs and budget.
Local Codes:
Finally, you need to consider the local permits and code requirements for your new heating system. These will vary in different areas and states, so you need to ensure that your system is compliant for your home. Your contractor will be able to advise you of the code requirements for your area.
The Right Contractor:
A good contractor can not only assist you with local codes and permit requirements, but they can also assist you in choosing the system best suited to your needs. The right contractor will also offer you excellent aftercare, advising you on maintenance and servicing to keep your new system operating at peak efficiency and performance.