How To Decide Which Heating System Is Right For Your Home

Whether you have a brand-new home or you're simply replacing a furnace that has become outdated and is in need of an upgrade, trying to determine which type of heating system is right for your home can be a chore. While you should always talk to your local HVAC company about the various types of heating system installations they have available, below are a few questions that you can use to help do some research beforehand.

What's Your Budget?

Before you decide on any type of heating system, you first need to determine how much money you're willing to spend. Depending on your needs, there's more than likely a heating system that is right for your home, but the price can vary anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Furnaces are by far the most common for most American homes, and can run you anywhere from about $2,000 to around $4,000. Ductless mini-splits can cause less than $1000, but they also won't be able to heat up nearly as much space as a central heating furnace or as much as a geothermal system, which can actually replace not only your furnace but also your AC system. Be prepared to spend big bucks, as a geothermal system runs anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. They do make up for that cost in longevity and lower energy savings, however, so it's worth consideration.

How Big Is Your House?

As mentioned above, a ductless mini-split can be used to heat anywhere from a small outdoor shed to a small studio apartment, but the further away you get from your system, the less hot it will be. Radiant heating, such as with a boiler system, uses pipes that run through the walls and stay mostly out of the way. Unfortunately, they make up for the lack of space with a more industrial aesthetic, so unless that's your style, you may be best looking for something else. Other forms of radiant heating operate underneath the floor, but they can limit the availability of flooring choices for your home, so you have to decide what's most important to you.

Do You Have Any Special Requirements?

For homeowners who are looking for a heating system installation that can stand the test of time, a geothermal system can last 25 years, if not longer. They also require very little maintenance and energy costs outside of the energy needed to run the motor. For those who are truly looking to be environmentally conscious, it can be a tough choice to make. Alternatively, if you don't have access to gas, the hybrid heating system is out, so you have to also consider your energy source when you're making your decision.

Reach out to a professional for more information about heating system installation choices.