Your home’s heating system repair and installation becomes crucial as you get close to the winter season. Not only does it maintain your desired comfort levels but it also protects you from the life threatening, freezing temperatures common in certain parts of the country. To ensure the safety of you and your family, it is beneficial to understand the type of heating system you have, safe operating procedures and the necessary repairs to keep it functioning properly. Although furnaces and boilers are by far the most common methods used to provide heat to households in the U.S., this article will touch on some other methods as well.
HVAC Forced Air Systems
Forced air systems are those that use air to distribute the heat throughout the building. The system uses a series of ducts to carry the heated air to vents placed in individual rooms or other areas of your home. A thermostat activates or deactivates the system to maintain a desired, preset temperature. If the temperature drops below the setting, the thermostat activates the system until reaching the temperature, at which point it deactivates the system. The difference between most forced air delivery systems is the method used to heat the air. The most common types are
- Gas and electric furnaces
- Air source heat pumps
- Central air conditioning systems
If you have an existing ductwork in place, forced air HVAC systems are a good option for you. They provide even and efficient heating throughout the home and maintain air quality by filtering the air before it is distributed.
However, they do require periodic maintenance to preserve efficiency and performance. You might need to replace filters and clean air ducts to prevent the distribution of dust and debris throughout the home. Homeowners also complain about noise when compared to radiant heating systems. We discuss different types of heating systems for homes below to help you make the choice.
Furnaces
Furnaces are the most common heating systems installed in homes due to higher efficiency, durability and longer lifespans. A furnace unit that is 20 years old can still run at 70% efficiency. They use a fuel source to generate heat through combustion and distribute it using ducts. You can choose from gas furnaces, electric furnaces, solid fuel burning furnaces or oil burning furnaces based on the availability of fuel type in your area.
To maintain the efficiency and performance of home furnaces, you need to make sure that you clean filters and ducts. An unclean of faulty furnace system would work extra to generate optimal heat and require more power. It is always a good choice to do a self checkup or hire a professional to inspect your HVAC systems before the seasons change.
Heat Pumps
Heat pump systems provide both heating and cooling in homes by transferring heat from a cooler space to a warmer space. It uses a reversing valve that changes the flow of refrigerant liquid inside the heat pump unit to transfer heat in the desired direction. They do not require fuel or electricity to run which can help you save a great deal on energy bills.
Your can choose from these three types of heat pumps for your homes
- Air Source Heat Pumps. They use air ducts and vents to distribute heat and can be combined with a furnace unit during winters.
- Ductless Mini-split Heat Pumps. Mini-split air handler units are installed in different rooms of the homes creating zones for heating. These are connected with a single outdoor compressor unit.
- Geo-thermal Heat Pumps. They are ground and water source heat pumps that use earth’s temperature to heat or cool homes. They have higher installation costs but have a great ROI.
Heat pumps run on significantly low costs compared to furnaces and central air systems. However, they are not suitable for extreme lower temperatures in winters. You will need to install a furnace or other packaged HVAC systems to counter subfreezing temperatures.
Boilers and Heaters
A boiler generates hot water or steam to power baseboard, radiant or radiator heating. Today’s newer models are very different from their cumbersome predecessors. Small, compact and energy efficient versions are available that offer low maintenance and no drop off when it comes to performance. Natural gas, propane, oil and electricity are types of fuels used by boiler systems to convert water into steam. Old, inefficient boilers or coal burners that were switched or retrofitted to burn oil or gas are likely candidates for upgrading to a new, high-efficiency boiler.
High-efficiency boilers use a direct vent system, which means their exhaust gas and combustion air circulate through the wall to the outside, eliminating chimney requirements. The combustion chamber of newer systems is sealed, preventing any exhaust or gases from entering your home.
It is always smart to get price quotes from at least four pre-screened and licensed HVAC repair and installation contractors before starting your project in order to get the best price. Let Modernize help you do that in a few easy steps.
In-floor or Under-floor Heating
A newer system gaining in popularity and used to generate heat more efficiently is an in-floor or underfloor heating system. These systems are often powered by steam, oil, gas, electric and even solar. The system involves a series of tubes or cables placed under the finished flooring.
Underfloor heating systems provide even distribution of heat in larger spaces and use less energy than traditional systems. It is a cost effective solution for new construction homes but might be too expensive for existing homes as the flooring needs to be removed and installed back again.
Home Heating Radiators
An older method of heating with steam uses a radiator and boiler system. Usually found in older homes and apartment buildings, the cast iron radiators are powered by steam to heat an area. The radiators connect with either a one-pipe or a two-pipe system, which carries the steam and condensate to and from the boiler. The boiler converts the water and condensate into steam, which in turn travels to and heats the radiator to provide the heat.
Home radiators heat up quickly and require less moving parts making them extremely reliable and durable. The older cast iron radiators can also be replaced with newer wall panel, baseboard or column radiators for aesthetic appeal.
Repair and Maintenance of Heating Systems
The aforementioned heating systems produce adequate heat and comfort levels to ensure you stay warm during the winter months. However, like most other types of equipment, they can malfunction. You should always hire licensed and insured contractors experienced with the type of heating system in your home to perform maintenance or repairs. Before choosing a heating and air conditioning contractor, it will be wise to ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints or concerns.
With that being said, there are several maintenance procedures capable homeowners can perform to extend the life of their equipment and maintain its optimum efficiency. For safety reasons, before performing the recommended procedures, verify that the power or gas to the system is off.
Home Furnaces and Boilers
- Replace the air filters.
- Inspect the flue pipe for visible cracks, holes, or leaks. A leaking flue pipe can introduce dangerous carbon monoxide into your home.
- Replace the oil filter.
- Clean register and return vents.
- Schedule annual maintenance with your heating repair and air conditioning contractor.
Heat Pump and Central Air Systems
- Heat pumps and central air conditioning systems incorporate a filter or filter system to prevent dirt and other debris from contaminating the evaporator coils. Changing the filter regularly helps to maintain a clean evaporator coil and allows the air to flow easily. A dirty coil with a restricted airflow can cause your system to work harder to distribute the conditioned air, leading to higher energy use, energy costs and shorten the expected life span of the system.
- Clean the evaporator coils. Although this project is more labor intensive than changing a filter, it is not that hard. Liquid coil cleaning solutions are available at most home improvement centers and air conditioning supply houses. Spray the coils with the cleaner and allow it to soak in for a few minutes before rinsing with clean water. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings posted on the label. You should also wear protective gear such as gloves and eye goggles during coil cleaning.
- Remove the air handler — inside unit — cover and oil the fan motor. It takes just a few drops of applicable grade oil to lubricate the motor, which helps to keep it running efficiently and possibly extend its life.
- Oil the condenser/compressor — outside unit — fan motors on heat pump and central air conditioning systems.
- Keep area immediately around the condensing unit clean and free of weeds, grass and other debris.
- Periodically rinse condensing coils with clean water.
- Clean return and air vent registers throughout your home to help eliminate dust, dirt and debris from circulating back into your system.
- Schedule annual maintenance with your heating repair and air conditioning contractor.
Home Heating Repair, Replacement and Installation
Replacing or installing a new heating system in your home is a major undertaking requiring careful thought and consideration before the project begins. Taking the time to plan and size the project accordingly not only can save you money but also help the project to run smoothly without delays. Take into account the following considerations before replacing or repairing your heating system.
- You get what you pay for. Sometimes the lowest price does not provide the best option. On the surface, it might seem like a good value, but often a cheaper price translates into inferior equipment and/or workmanship. High-efficiency equipment can actually pay for itself over time by reducing energy costs.
- Do not forget the rebates. States, manufacturers, power companies and even the federal government offer rebates for high-efficiency systems. This can significantly reduce the amount of your out-of-pocket expense when replacing or purchasing a new system.
- Pay attention to SEER ratings. Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rates the efficiency of the system. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient system, which will use less energy and save you money.
- Shop around. Get several estimates from reputable companies. The equipment and service will vary between contractors.
- Inquire about refrigerant. R-22 refrigerant has been restricted and production ceased. Although it is still available, supplies are dwindling and prices are rising. Verify that your new system uses the newest refrigerant available, R-410A.
- Maintain your new system. Consider purchasing a yearly maintenance contract for your new system. Annual check-ups and maintenance will keep your system running at peak performance and efficiency. Not only will this extend the life of your system, but could also eliminate expensive and preventable repairs down the road.
- Size is important. In most cases, replacing your old system with a newer one of the same size is fine. However, several circumstances can solicit change such as additional doors or windows, home additions and insulation. The old adage “bigger is better” does not apply when it comes to heating and air conditioning systems. Your contractor should walk your home thoroughly to ascertain any changes and measure for square footage to determine the size and type of equipment to install.
- Consider financing. A new heating system can be an expensive undertaking and burn through your available cash. Many contractors offer special, 0 percent financing to attract new customers.
Your heating system is one of the most crucial appliances in your home. If your system is beginning to fail or needs replacing, do not get left out in the cold. Delaying repairs, maintenance or replacement can increase your costs down the road and possibly lead to a cold winter.
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