Need help finding the perfect heating system? Whether this is the first heater for a brand-new home or if you’re replacing a current system, it helps to know what your options are. Here in Winder, your best options for heating are either heat pumps or furnaces. But even within those two categories there are other choices to make.
If it sounds confusing, don’t worry. We’ll go over all of it in this brief post.
Furnaces
Furnaces are one of the most common heating systems used in the nation. And it makes sense why—they work quickly, they’re inexpensive to install, and their operational costs can be quite low. Statistically speaking, you’ve most likely already lived in a home with a furnace if you don’t right now.
The main differences between furnaces are in their fuel type. You won’t want to install a furnace without considering both types.
Natural Gas
Furnaces are commonly used with natural gas, simply because it’s one of the least expensive fuel sources out there.
One of the problems with natural gas furnaces, however, is that not all homes have access to gas lines. Installing the lines, alone, can be a costly venture that you weren’t anticipating when budgeting for a heater.
Electric
If you’re one of these homeowners without natural gas, you can opt for an electric furnace instead. These systems are even easier to install since they’ll naturally integrate with your electrical grid.
These systems are technically even more efficient than natural gas furnaces, but due to the cost of electricity, that benefit can sometimes get cancelled out. You’ll want to check with an HVAC contractor in Winder, GA to calculate all the projected costs.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can do what no other system can: they can switch between heating and cooling modes. A heat pump will have you covered for summer and winter, and it’ll do so with unmatched efficiency. There are two different types of heat pumps, however, and they have major differences.
Traditional Heat Pumps
The usual heat pump is setup like that of a normal air conditioner. They have an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and they use ducts in your attic or crawlspace to deliver air through your home. Ducts are an effective way to heat and cool your entire home, and many homes are already equipped with ductwork, thus making installation even easier.
Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat pumps consist of one outdoor unit, and then one air handler for each room that you want to heat or cool. All those separate installations can certainly raise the upfront costs, but you might find it worth it.
There are many benefits to getting rid of the ducts entirely. Ducts that fall into disrepair can contribute to drastic reductions in your efficiency, and it can also create uneven heating through the home. Plus, ductless units each come with their own set of controls—everyone can enjoy their heating and cooling at their own comfort level (or you can turn off all the units that aren’t being used and save all that energy!)
