Buying A New Heating System
If your old heating system is about to die, you're probably in the market for a new one. Or, if you're currently spending over $1,000 per year on heating, it's likely that the $800 to $4,500 you'll spend on a more efficient heating system will reduce your bills enough to pay for your investment in several years. Your system will also be more reliable, as well as increase the value of your house. As you shop, it's worth keeping in mind a few things that will save you money and increase your comfort.
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If you've weatherized and insulated your home-and we'll remind you again that these are by far the most cost-effective things you can do-then you can downsize the furnace or boiler without compromising the capability of your heating system to keep you warm. An oversized heater will cost more to buy up front, more to run every year, and the frequent short-cycle on and off of an oversized system reduces efficiency. Ask your heating contractor to explain any sizing calculations and make sure s/he understands that you have a tight, well-insulated house, to verify that you don't get stuck with an oversized model (which s/he gets to charge more money for).
Natural Gas Furnaces and Boilers
It is always cost-effective to pay a little more up front in return for more efficiency. But it may not be cost-effective to pay a lot more for the most efficient unit, since your reduced heating needs mean a longer payback. The differences between various models can be significant, and it's worth your while to examine efficiency ratings before making a decision.
Fuel Switching
When available, natural gas is the lowest-cost heating fuel for most homes. If you have a choice, switching fuels may be cost-effective, but only if this does not also require substantial changes to your home's existing heat distribution system. For example, replacing the old hot water boiler with a high-efficiency forced-air furnace would require installation of all new forced-air ducts. If you are currently using electricity for heating, switching to any other fuel will be cost-effective. See the next subject.
Electric Resistance Heating
Electric baseboard heating is by far the most expensive way to warm one's home; it's cheap to buy and install, but it costs two to three times as much to heat with electricity as with gas. The life-cycle cost of electric heating is, without exception, far higher than that of gas-fired furnaces and boilers, even taking into account the higher installation cost of the latter, and even in regions with exceptionally low electricity prices. If you must heat with electricity, weatherizing and insulating your home, along with installing a programmable thermostat, are especially lucrative options. If you also use air conditioning, and live in a mild winter climate, consider switching to a heat pump.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heat. There are three types of heat pumps: air-to-air heat pumps, water-source heat pumps, and ground-source heat pumps. Heat pumps collect heat from the air, water, or ground depending on type, concentrate the warmth, and distribute it through the home. Heat pumps typically deliver three times more energy in heat than they consume in electric power. Heat pumps can also be used to cool homes by reversing the process-collecting indoor heat and transferring it outside the building. Some newer heat pumps are designed to also provide an inexpensive source of household hot water.
Not all heat pumps are created equal, but fortunately the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute rates all heat pumps on the market. Look at the efficiency ratings and purchase a system designed for a colder climate. Some electric utilities offer rebates and other incentives to help finance the higher capital costs of these more efficient systems.
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps are the most popular, the least expensive initially, and the most expensive to run in colder weather. Air-to-air units must rely on inefficient backup heating mechanisms (usually electric resistance heat) when outside temperatures drop below a certain point. That point varies from model to model, so make sure you buy one that's designed for your climate-some models can cope with much colder weather before resorting to backup heat. A heat pump running on backup is no better than standard electric resistance heating. Some newer pumps have more efficient gas-fired backup mechanisms, but if gas is available, why not use it directly?
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Quality
When you buy a new car, its quality determines how well it will perform and for how long. The same is true of a new furnace. Selecting a brand name that has a reputation for quality and reliability can save you headaches and extra expenses down the road. We will work with you to determine which brand and model will best suit your needs.
We will be glad to examine your home or business facility, advise you on which of the available brands of furnaces (based on their respective features, efficiency, reliability, and warranties) would best meet your needs, and provide you with a free estimate for purchase and installation of a new system.
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No matter what your needs are, Custom Air's certified train professionals can help. With over 20 years of satisfied customers, Custom Air can help you select the right Heating and Air Conditioning system for your specific needs.
Choosing a Furnace
If you need a new furnace, there are several items you must consider before making your purchase. The furnace itself, only drives your heating system. Correct installation and maintenance are crucial to the satisfaction and operation of your heating system. Before you purchase a system, it is a good idea to have two or more dealers come to your home and evaluate the situation and give you an estimate. The estimate must be in writing and be sure it includes the details for the installation work needed. This way you can compare estimates carefully. A dealer should not base the estimate on the old furnace you are replacing. The old furnace might not meet your home's current needs for heating. For example, if you have weatherized or insulated since the last system was installed, you may not have the same heating requirements. You can also hire an energy specialist who will tell you what size furnace you need, or one of Custom Air's certified train professionals can help.
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What ever you decide Custom Air will guarantee that you will receive the best System for your Custom Needs. |
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