Are you one of those people who gets cold easily? Do you find yourself constantly adjusting the heating in your home? Perhaps it’s time for heating installation Liberty Hill, TX! But before you do, it’s important to know which unit is ideal for your home.
Following are the five types of heating systems to weigh down your options:
- Central Heating
About 90% of homes in America have this type of heating system. In Texas, heating and cooling account for almost 50% of the energy use in a typical home. Central heating systems are either gas-fired or oil-fired and work by heating air in a furnace and then circulating the warm air through a system of ducts. It is commonly used in residences, apartments, and other buildings with several rooms.
The unit involves heating a large space and using fans or blowers to spread the heat around. While it is usually powered by natural gas and oil, there are also electric, propane, and solar central heating systems. The main advantage of this unit is its efficiency in heating large areas. It can also be integrated into a cooling system to provide year-round comfort. In terms of installation, central heating units can be costly and complicated, so it’s best to leave it to an HVAC professional.
- Furnace
Many have mistaken a furnace for a central heating system, but there is actually a difference between the two. Instead of heating the entire space, a furnace only heats up specific areas in the home. It uses a system of ducts and registers to deliver warm air to different rooms.
The most common type of furnace is a gas furnace, which uses natural gas to create heat. There are also oil-fired furnaces, electric furnaces, and propane furnaces. One advantage of a furnace for your heating installation Liberty Hill, TX is that you can use it as a standalone unit or integrate it into a central heating and cooling system. It is an efficient and effective way to heat your home, though regular maintenance and tune-ups are necessary to prevent problems. That means extra costs down the line, so be sure to factor that in when budgeting for a new unit.
- Boiler
If you’re looking for an alternative to a furnace, consider a boiler for your heating installation Liberty Hill, TX. It has similar heating capabilities as a furnace but uses water or steam instead of air to deliver heat. It allows you to practice zone heating, which means you have more control over heating specific areas on your property. That makes it ideal for larger spaces like commercial buildings and office spaces. You can also use it for heating swimming pools and domestic hot water.
There are three main types of boilers: gas, oil, and electric. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Gas boilers, for instance, are the most common type used in homes. They’re also the most affordable option. On the other hand, electric boilers are more expensive to operate but easier to install.
- Heat Pump
A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that uses the same ductwork as a central heating system. The main difference is that it doesn’t have a furnace. Instead, it has an outdoor unit that contains the compressor and condenser. The outdoor unit is connected to an indoor unit called an air handler.
There are two types of heat pumps you can consider for heating installation Liberty Hill, TX:
- Air-source heat pump: As the name suggests, it uses the air outside to heat and cool the home. It is the most common type of heat pump and is a popular option for homes in mild climates like Texas.
- Ground-source heat pump: It uses the ground to heat and cool the property. It is more energy-efficient than an air-source heat pump, yet more expensive to install.
While a ductless mini-split is technically a heating and cooling system, it can also be used for heating installation Liberty Hill, TX. It doesn’t use ducts but instead has an outdoor unit that contains the compressor and condenser. The outdoor unit is connected to one or more indoor units called air handlers. Homes or office spaces with multiple rooms can benefit from this unit.
If you prefer not to have an outdoor unit, you can opt for a ductless mini-split with an evaporator. Install in the attic, basement, or crawlspace, then connect to the air handlers through small holes in the walls. One thing to keep in mind is that a ductless mini-split doesn’t work well in cold climates. Since Liberty Hill, Texas has mild winters, this unit should work well for heating your home. Talking about efficiency, a ductless mini-split is more energy-efficient than a central heating system. Not to mention, it’s also quieter and easier to install.
Features to Consider
With technologies soaring to new heating advancements, how can you be sure to select the best heating installation Liberty Hill, TX? The following are important features to keep in mind while making your decision:
Efficiency
The heater’s efficiency rating is important because it directly impacts your monthly energy bills. A higher efficiency rating means lower energy bills, so comparing options is important before shelling out money. The most common ratings are AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) for furnaces and HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) for heat pumps.
Unit Size
Be sure to select a system that’s the right size for your home. An oversized heating unit will be less efficient and cycle on and off more frequently, while an undersized system will have to work harder to heat your home, leading to increased wear and tear.
Cost of Installation and Operating
Some heating systems are more expensive to install than others. Electric heat pumps, for instance, can be costly to install but are cheaper to operate. Gas boilers, on the other hand, are more affordable but can be expensive to run.
Whether to consider heating installation Liberty Hill, TX yourself or hire a professional also impacts the overall cost. If it’s about replacing an existing heating system, you may be able to do some of the work yourself to keep costs down. But suppose you’re installing a new unit or making significant changes to your current setup. We recommend hiring a certified professional contractor to work with the type of system you’ve chosen.
The next cost to consider is the cost of operation. This includes the cost of fuel (if applicable) and any regular maintenance that will be required. Some types of heaters are more efficient than others, so be sure to ask about annual operating costs when making your selection. You should also factor in the cost of any repairs that may be needed over the system’s life.
Zone Heating and Cooling
Zone heating and cooling is a feature that allows you to heat and cool different areas of your home separately. This is especially useful if you have a large home or if certain rooms are used more frequently than others.
Environmental Impact
Heating systems like furnaces and boilers that burn fossil fuels can release harmful pollutants into the air. If you’re concerned about your heating system’s impact on the environment, look for an option that doesn’t use fossil fuels or has a low emissions rating, such as electric heat pumps.
Type of Fuel
Heating systems can be powered by electricity, gas, oil, or other fuels. Each type of fuel has its own set of pros and cons. For instance, electric heating systems are more expensive to operate than gas heating systems. Oil heating systems are less common than other types of heating installation Liberty Hill, TX but can be a good option if you live in an area with a reliable oil supply.
Maintenance
All heating units require some level of regular care to stay efficient and extend their lifespan, though some only require minimal maintenance. Be sure to ask about the required maintenance for the product you’re considering and how often it needs to be performed.
Warranties and Guarantees
Heaters can be expensive, so selecting a product with a good warranty is crucial. It is a type of service contract that promises to repair or replace a product if it breaks down within a certain period of time. Some companies also offer guarantees, which are similar to warranties but often provide more comprehensive coverage. Read the warranty carefully before making a purchase.
Looking for a Heating Upgrade? Covenant Air Conditioning & Heating Has You Covered!
When it’s time for a heating upgrade at your home or business, the team Covenant Air Conditioning & Heating proudly serves the community with a wide range of heating installation Liberty Hill, TX solutions that are sure to meet your needs.
We carry an extensive selection of the latest and most efficient heating equipment on the market to ensure that you can find the perfect system for your property, plus we offer financing options to make your purchase more affordable.For an estimate or more information on our heating installation services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (512) 318-2257.