Cold weather quickly reminds most homeowners to start thinking about their home heating systems. And for homeowners in search of a new heating system, this is the time to decide which system is right for them. Below, we’re going to go over the three main kinds of home heating systems and the pros and cons of each so that you can decide which suits you best.
Importance of Choosing the Right Heating System
Your home’s heating system is under a lot of pressure and is continuously relied on to keep you warm and safe during the colder months. Choosing the wrong heating system based on your climate, your home’s size, your heating needs, and your fuel type can leave you spending more each winter for less adequate heat. Efficiency and comfort need to be optimized with your system for the best results.
First, we’ll go over the pros and cons of each system.
Pros and Cons of Furnaces
Pro: There’s no water involved, so there is no need to worry about leaks
Pro: There are no pipes that can freeze if the heat goes down
Con: They can trap and redistribute dust, pet dander, and other allergens
Con: They can cause cold drafts in your home in the winter
Pros and Cons of Boilers
Pro: It’s a closed system, so there is no chance for drafts
Pro: They require little maintenance compared to other systems
Pro: They’re generally very efficient
Con: Sealed water pipes can create leaks in your home
Con: Pipes can freeze and burst in the winter if the heat goes down
Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
Pro: They’re the most energy-efficient
Pro: They can remove unwanted humidity from your home
Con: They can cause drafts in the winter
Con: They require the most maintenance of all of the systems
Things to Consider
When you’re deciding which system is best for you, it helps to consider the below factors, which can make your decision easier.
1 – Size of Your Home
The size of your home can often dictate which system is best for you. For example, boilers are the easiest to adapt to zone heating, which can help cut down on unnecessarily heating unoccupied rooms in large houses, and they’re usually the most efficient. A furnace may save you money in a small house if you don’t need as much heat.
2 – Fuel Availability
Some homes don’t have natural gas lines available and must use oil as a fuel. Since oil is significantly more expensive than gas, the more efficient heat pump may be the best for your purposes.
3 – Budget
Finally, your budget may be the deciding factor for your heating system. Furnaces are generally the cheapest and might be perfect if you’re looking to spend as little as possible.
Whether you need more information on which system is right for you, service on your existing system, or are ready to replace your current setup with a new heating system, contact one of our highly-trained home heating professionals for more information or to set up a consultation.
