Did you know that you have options when it comes to heating your home? You don’t have to stay with the gas-powered furnace. If you’re building a new home, or it’s time to replace your heating system, now is a great opportunity to research Different Types of Home Heating Systems. There are pros and cons to all three, but you can trust the experts at A-1 Mechanical to fix any problems you have when it comes to repairs.
What Are the Different Types of Home Heating Systems?
Keeping your home comfortable during cold winter months is essential in Lansing and Grand Rapids. You want a heating system that you can rely on year after year. A-1 Mechanical breaks down the three different types of home heating systems and the advantages of each.
Furnaces
Furnaces use gas to generate heat by combusting fuel. This ensures that you’ll always have heat in your house no matter the temperature outside. The furnace controls the temperature in the entire house with a thermostat. Most furnaces can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Advantages of a Furnace
Although furnaces are larger than heat pumps, they are less noisy. Furnaces are a more reliable source of heat in colder climates. You are also probably familiar with how a central heating system operates since it’s been a reliable heating source for homes for decades. Newer models improve on efficiency, making sure your heating bills aren’t extravagant.
Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are another popular type of forced-air heating system. Air-source heat pumps can perform both the functions of a furnace and an air conditioner, providing cool and warm air inside. Heat pumps are relatively small and can be mounted outside your home. When connected with mini splits, your house can be divided into different zones. These zones can accommodate different levels of comfort among your family members. If you have a large house, or want to create multiple zones, you may need more than one heat pump.
Advantages of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are very energy efficient. They use much less energy than a furnace, making them less expensive to operate. Since they also operate as an air conditioner, you may save on cooling costs as well. Heat pumps are also cheaper to install than a furnace.
Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating is the most energy efficient type of heating system. Pipes are inserted into the ground and the heat from the Earth is transferred into your home. This air can be heated or cooled, depending on the season. In order for a heat pump to work, a system of interconnected pipes used as heat exchangers are placed underground. To have the pipes installed, you’ll need holes dug in your yard which could affect your landscaping. Geothermal heat pumps can come with a lot of upfront costs. It is usually the most expensive heating system to install, but government tax rebates can help offset the cost.
Advantages of Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating is warmer than the air provided by heat pumps, but not as warm as a traditional furnace. However, there is still enough heat to keep your home more comfortable, making it the most efficient-heating system. The lifespan of geothermal heating is 20+ years, much longer than a furnace or heat pump.
Trust A-1 Mechanical for All of Your Heating Needs
When it comes to choosing a heating system that works best for you, trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical to assess your home’s heating needs. We provide options at various price points and can provide estimates for installation. Call A-1 Mechanical today to learn more about our heating systems. Our heating and cooling technicians can repair, maintain, and install all types of heating and air conditioning systems.