With temperatures already taking a nosedive, now is not the time to be facing a broken down heater. Nevertheless, it might happen. Particularly if you had an aging heater and/or if you skipped maintenance for said heater. Of course, the first option is to schedule a Salt Lake City heating repair service, but what if that isn’t enough? What if you find that you need a new heating system altogether?
Your first instinct might be to rush out and buy the very first heater you can find within your budget, and the same model as the one you have now, to spare any extra time the installation could take otherwise. We understand this urgency, but also think it’s very important to consider your purchase and make sure that not only are you thinking about your initial budget, but how you might cut back on monthly expenses moving forward. So how can you choose the best heater? And what are your options?
Furnace
The furnace remains the most popular heating system installed in homes throughout the country, and for good reason. Most homes are already set up for a gas or electric furnace installation, and therefore it’s not too difficult to add one to your home. Furnaces are relatively low-cost when it comes to whole-house heating systems, and today’s models work very efficiently, especially if you choose one with an AFUE rating of 90 or greater.
Of course, if you’re relying on electrical heat, then a furnace might not be your best option due to the monthly expense. Electric furnaces do use a lot of energy to run, so you’ll want to use yours wisely. Or, you might consider a heat pump, or boiler!
Boiler
Boilers are a fantastic choice for a number of reasons. First off, they aren’t a forced-air system like furnaces or heat pumps. Rather, they heat water and that resulting hot water or steam is distributed through your home through radiators (or tubing beneath your flooring in a radiant heating system—this is typically best installed during home construction or remodeling).
Many homeowners choose this type of heating system because it eliminates indoor air quality concerns, such as the infiltration of allergens and other contaminants that can make their way into your home via ductwork.
Boost Your Heating Efficiency
No matter what type of heating system you choose for your home, there are steps you can take to improve its efficiency. For instance, putting weatherstripping on all your drafty windows and doors will keep the heat in so that your heater isn’t constantly trying to reach your desired temperature with no luck.
With a forced air system, you can utilize ceiling fans in reverse to distribute the warm air better, and therefore turn your thermostat down a few degrees. You might be surprised by how much energy—and subsequently money, you can save by doing this. This isn’t the only way you can help preserve energy. We are happy to provide you with more tips depending on the heating system you choose!
