Choosing the appropriate heating system for your house may be a difficult task. Although it varies depending on the system, it typically lasts around ten to 20 years. As a result, it's critical to think carefully about all of your choices before making a decision.
What is the difference between a heating system and a furnace?
A furnace and a heater are very different systems. Often, homeowners will mistakenly think they can fix their furnace by simply adding some heat to the property or vice versa. Unfortunately, this is not the case at all. Both of these heating methods have entirely different functions and uses. Additionally, both of them need professional installation for them to work safely.
Furnaces
A furnace can be either forced-air or hot water. A furnace uses propane, oil, natural gas or electricity to heat the air within your house and then send that warm air into different parts of your home through duct work. Forced-air furnaces use a blower fan to circulate the heated air throughout the property. On the other hand, hot water furnace systems use heated water to create warmth in your home.
A furnace is ideal for buildings with multiple floors because it can efficiently move warm air around the entire house with its duct work system. If you're planning on using the furnace only during certain seasons of the year (i.e., summer or winter), then this furnace is probably right for you.
Heaters
A heater works like a furnace in that it converts fuel into heat and then sends warm air throughout the property. However, there are two significant differences between these heating systems: 1) a heater doesn't require ducts to circulate hot air; this means that homeowners only need vents placed around their property and 2) heaters typically cost less than furnaces.
Depending on the heater you choose, these heating systems can be powered by either gas, oil or electricity. If your furnace does not have a duct system to distribute air throughout your house, this is probably right for you because it will only need vents to circulate warmth.
What is the best type of heating system for my home?
Your furnace or heater needs to match the size of your house and the building's structure. For example, if you have a large home with high ceilings, it would be best to get a furnace that can distribute heat throughout all parts of your property so everything is warm.
Additionally, if you plan to use only certain seasons, consider getting either a gas furnace or electric heater, depending on which fuel type will better serve your heating needs in those months. Most homes require both systems because they're ideal for each season: Furnaces are great during cold weather, while heaters work just fine during hot weather when homeowners need warmth without humidity and air conditioning costs skyrocketing.
It's also important to consider the long-term costs of a furnace or heater. If you're able to, try out furnaces and heaters in your property with friends before purchasing one for yourself so you can get a feel for what works best in your house. Also, check which system is more comfortable during cold and hot months, because comfort plays a vital role in choosing heating systems.
Another consideration will be safety features like carbon monoxide detectors if any individuals living in the home have respiratory problems, since gas furnace systems release this pollutant into your air throughout their duration of use.
A furnace or heater might seem complicated at first glance, but that's not true at all - think about how much time they save homeowners per year on energy costs!
Do I need to hire an HVAC contractor?
Yes!
You might be tempted to install your furnace or heater on your own, but that's not safe, and you could end up causing more damage than good. Since HVAC systems are complicated, only a trained professional should handle furnace installation or furnace repair. There is simply too much risk involved in heating equipment, so don't try to handle furnace installation yourself!
Please stay safe and hire an HVAC contractor to help you when it comes time for furnace or heater repairs and furnace installation. New England Cooling Towers, Inc is here to be your go-to HVAC contractor. Contact us today!
