Comfort First Heating and Cooling, Inc. Blog

Upgrading your home’s old heating system can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. Two of the most common choices you’ll come across are furnaces and heat pumps—and for good reason! Both are popular options, but how do you know which one is right for your home? Here’s a quick breakdown of their pros and cons to help you decide.

Why Furnaces Are Better for Homes Than Heat Pumps

• Powerful Heat Production: A natural gas furnace can generate consistent hot air, making it perfect for meeting heating needs in cold climates where temperatures plummet.
• Reliable in Extreme Cold: Unlike an air source heat pump, a gas furnace maintains its ability to produce heat regardless of outdoor temperature, ensuring comfort even during freezing conditions.
• No External Issues: Furnaces do not rely on external conditions like ground source heat pumps, which can struggle in certain environments.
• Affordable Heating: A natural gas furnace often has a lower installation cost compared to some high-efficiency heat pumps, offering a cost-effective solution.
• No Need for Supplemental Heating: While electric heaters or a dual fuel system might be necessary with some heat pump systems, a gas furnace alone meets most heating needs.

Why Heat Pumps Are Better for Homes Than Furnaces

• Year-Round Comfort: A heat pump system functions as both a heating system and an air conditioner, eliminating the need for separate equipment.
• Energy Efficiency: Both heat pumps and electric heat pumps are incredibly energy efficient, leading to reduced utility bills.
• Eco-Friendly Heating and Cooling: High-efficiency models, such as the best heat pump, reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-fuel-based systems like a propane furnace.
• Safe Operation: Without combustion, a heat pump eliminates risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Adaptability to Various Climates: Modern high-efficiency heat pumps—including ground source heat pumps—perform well in a range of outdoor temperatures, though dual fuel heating systems can provide additional reliability in cold climates.
• Quiet Performance: The air handler in a heat pump system operates more quietly than the blowers in traditional HVAC systems, creating a peaceful home environment.
• Integrated Heating Needs: A dual fuel setup, combining both a heat pump and a natural gas furnace, ensures optimal performance in every season.
• Lower Costs Over Time: Though the installation cost of a heat pump system may be higher than a gas furnace, the long-term savings from improved energy efficiency make it a wise investment.

So, Which Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the winner of the furnace vs heat pump debate boils down to personal preference and circumstances. For instance, if you live in a location with a climate and environment suitable for heat pumps, they’re definitely a solid choice. 

Likewise, if you’re searching for an HVAC system with a lower upfront cost, furnaces might be the better option. No matter which you end up choosing, know that they’re both great choices!

If You’re Interested in a New Heating System, Call Comfort First Heating and Cooling!

Need a new HVAC system to generate heat for your home? Then Comfort First Heating and Cooling will be happy to help!

Our techs perform both furnace and heat pump installations in Joliet and surrounding Illinois areas so that homeowners like you can stay warm all winter long. Get in touch with our team today to learn more and to schedule an appointment.

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No matter how reliable a furnace may be throughout its life, there will one day come a point where it no longer provides the warmth you need. If your heating system is struggling to keep your home warm, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Understanding the average lifespan of a furnace is crucial for homeowners to manage their heating needs effectively. To learn when it’s time to consider a furnace replacement, the benefits of newer models, and how to maintain your heating system for optimal performance, here’s what you need to know!

What is the Average Lifespan of a Furnace?

Most gas furnaces have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, the life expectancy can vary based on the model, usage, and maintenance. Electric furnaces can sometimes exceed this range, offering up to 30 years of service due to fewer mechanical parts. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial in extending the life of any furnace, whether it’s a gas furnace or an electric one.

Signs It’s Time for Furnace Replacement

Rising Energy Bills

If you’ve noticed rising energy bills, it could indicate that your furnace’s energy efficiency is declining. New gas furnaces with better energy efficiency can substantially lower your energy and heating bills, providing the same warmth at a lower cost.

Frequent Repairs and High Furnace Repair Costs

As a furnace reaches the end of its useful life, you may see an uptick in the need for furnace repairs. If furnace repair costs are mounting, it might be more economical to invest in a new furnace installation.

Inconsistent Warm Air Distribution

A significant sign that your heating system needs a check-up or a replacement is poor distribution of warm air. This inconsistency often means the heat exchanger is struggling, which could also lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Poor Air Quality

Older systems, especially those not well-maintained, can contribute to poor air quality in your home. Signs like increased dust or an unusual amount of dry air might indicate that your old furnace or its air filters are no longer functioning properly.

Benefits of Installing a New Furnace

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

New furnace models are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Installing a new gas furnace or an electric one can provide better energy efficiency, which translates to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental impact.

Reliability and Safety

New furnaces provide more reliability and pose fewer safety risks. An old furnace can produce carbon monoxide at dangerous levels due to a cracked heat exchanger, whereas new furnaces come with improved safety features and compliance with current standards.

Improved Heating and Air Conditioning

Upgrading your furnace can often improve the overall effectiveness of your HVAC system, including the air conditioning. This holistic enhancement in your home’s comfort system ensures better temperature control and air quality.

Warranty Coverage for Breakdowns

One significant benefit of installing a new furnace is the inclusion of a warranty. This warranty can provide homeowners peace of mind, knowing that should any issues arise with the furnace during the warranty period, repairs or even replacements may be covered at no additional cost.

This protection not only helps avoid unexpected repair bills but also ensures that the furnace maintains optimal performance through professional, manufacturer-approved services. The security of a warranty means investing in a new furnace is not only about enhancing home comfort but also about ensuring long-term reliability and support.

Choosing the Right Furnace and Installation Service

When selecting a new furnace, consider factors such as the size of your home, the type of furnace (gas or electric), and your specific heating needs. Our team at Comfort First Heating & Cooling provides expert furnace installation services to ensure that your new system is set up for optimal functioning.

Maintenance to Extend Your Furnace’s Lifespan

Regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your heating system. This includes annual check-ups, cleaning air filters, and ensuring all components are functioning correctly. Our comprehensive furnace services help maintain your system’s efficiency and prolong its life.

Contact Us for Furnace Replacement Services in Joliet, IL, and Nearby Areas

If you suspect your furnace is nearing the end of its service life or if you’re experiencing issues like higher utility bills, inconsistent heating, or concerns about air quality, we’re here to help. Comfort First Heating & Cooling specializes in heater replacement and installation services in Joliet and the surrounding areas, as well as other heating services.

To learn more about how our technicians can help you keep your home comfortable and efficient year-round, contact us today!

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It’s the kind of morning that makes you pull the blankets up higher. Freezing cold, dark outside, and not the kind of day when you want to get up for work. But of course, you’ve got to do what you got to do. Upon heading downstairs to turn on the heat, you hear your furnace click, but nothing happens. No warm air, no comforting hum, just silence. You try again. Silence. You try one more time, just in case. Silence. Then it settles in. Your gas furnace won’t ignite, and you have no idea why.

This scenario plays out in homes across America more often than you’d think, leaving families shivering and searching for answers. Thankfully, there are some fairly common — albeit frustrating — reasons why this happens. And if you want solutions, they start with knowing why you’re having problems in the first place!

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Want to know what the best heating system is? The answer is that there is none — each home and those that live there is different, meaning that the right type of heater can vary greatly based on circumstances and personal preferences. If you’re planning on upgrading your home’s heating system and aren’t sure where to start, here are five things that you should keep in mind during your search.

Available Fuel Sources

When choosing the best heating system for your home, you should first consider the available fuel sources in your area. For example, homes with a natural gas line might find a gas furnace to be a good choice.

In rural areas, you might need to look at alternative fuel sources such as liquid propane, wood stoves, or even hybrid heating systems that combine natural gas with electric heating systems or source heat pumps. Active solar heating systems are also an option in regions with abundant sunlight.

Size of Your Home

How big your home is can determine which heating system is best for you. Larger homes may benefit from a boiler system or a forced air system, both of which distribute heated air evenly across large spaces. In-floor radiant heating can also be a good choice for bigger homes, offering steady warmth without cold air drafts. 

For smaller homes, heat pumps are versatile and can double as both a heating system and a cooling system, which saves space and reduces energy bills. Compact homes might also consider baseboard heaters or radiant heating, which don’t require large ductwork for heat distribution.

Low Sound

For homeowners who work remotely, are sensitive to noise, or care a lot about peace and quiet, the sound level of your heating equipment is another factor to weigh. Heat pumps, especially ductless mini-split heat pump systems, run quietly compared to forced air furnaces or older boiler systems.

Radiant heating or in-floor radiant heating provides virtually silent operation, as do electric heating systems like baseboard heaters. A hybrid heating system can also lower the noise from your home heating system, particularly when paired with an energy-efficient central air conditioner for cooling.

Your Budget

The budget you have to work with will naturally shape your heating system options. Energy efficient systems, such as heat pump systems or hybrid systems, often come with higher upfront costs but can pay for themselves through lower energy bills over time.

For tighter budgets, forced air furnaces powered by natural gas may be a more affordable initial option. Active solar heating can be a great choice if you can make the investment, as it greatly reduces reliance on traditional fuel sources.

Existing Space

The amount of available space in your home may limit what types of heating systems you can install. For example, if you have limited room for ductwork, a forced air system might not be feasible. A ductless heat pump system can work well in these cases, providing both heating and cooling without needing extensive ducting.

If you’re already using a boiler system to heat water, you could explore radiant heating or heated air options. Space-saving systems like heat pumps or hybrid systems also offer flexibility in homes with less room for heating equipment.

Give Us a Call to Install a New Heating System in Your Home 

Whether you want to install a furnace, boiler, ductless system, or other type of heating system in Joliet, we’ve got you covered. Comfort First Heating and Cooling helps homeowners achieve greater energy efficiency, safety, and comfort by providing them with the HVAC services they and their families deserve. Get in touch with our team to schedule an installation and to install the most efficient heating system for your home!

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Getting ready for winter weather involves more than just taking your warm clothing out of the back of your closet and stocking up on warm soup and hot chocolate. If you really want to prepare yourself for Jack Frost’s arrival, then prepping your home’s heating system is a must. Let’s take a look at five different ways that you can help your furnace, boiler, or other heating system prepare for low temperatures.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Getting your heating system ready for the winter season starts with a thermostat adjustment. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a comfortable temperature for colder weather so that your heating system can run efficiently when you need it most. 

A properly calibrated thermostat can reduce heating bills and prevent wasted heat during the cold season. By adjusting your thermostat settings ahead of time, you’ll also save energy while keeping warm air circulating through your home. It’s one of the simplest ways to prepare for the upcoming heating season and will give your HVAC system a head start!

Clean or Replace the Filter

Changing or cleaning your air filter is an important step that nobody should forget. Dirty filters block airflow and make your heating unit work harder, which reduces energy efficiency. By keeping air filters clean, you can help the blower motor to operate at maximum efficiency.

Also, a dirty filter can also lead to poor indoor air quality, contributing to cold spots in your home and making the heat pump less effective. Regular maintenance of your air filter prevents these issues and improves your HVAC unit’s performance throughout the winter.

Declutter the Space Around Your Heater

Decluttering the space around your heating unit is equally important. Objects too close to the heating unit can block airflow, trap cold air around the system, and hinder its energy-efficient operation.

By doing a simple cleanup, you can prevent overheating of components like the blower motor and heat exchanger. Keeping your duct system free of obstructions also helps improve energy savings and reduces the chance of costly repairs during the winter season. Further, clear space around your heater will also allow for better-heated air distribution.

Test Out Your Heating System

Testing out your heating system before colder weather hits will ensure that it’s ready when you need it most. Turning on your HVAC unit early on can help you catch any problems before the cold season begins. Whether you have a furnace or heat pump, testing it ahead of time allows you to check for any cold air leaks or insufficient warm air.

Running a test also helps you identify issues like a malfunctioning heat exchanger or a faulty blower motor, which can impact your energy efficiency. Solving these problems early on will give you peace of mind and help prevent costly repairs later.

Schedule Maintenance

It’s a good idea to schedule routine maintenance with an HVAC technician before the colder weather sets in. During a thorough cleaning, the technician will inspect everything from your HVAC unit’s duct system to its heat exchanger, air filter, and blower motor. 

They’ll check for duct leaks, replace the oil filter, and ensure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are working properly. Regular maintenance will maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency and performance, prevent dirty air from circulating, and keep your home safe during the winter season. Also, be sure to schedule your appointment sooner rather than later — some technicians might get busier as more and more homeowners call them for maintenance.

Give Us a Call to Get Your Heating System Ready for Winter Weather!

Anyone in need of furnace, heat pump, or boiler repair in the Joliet region is only a phone call away from Comfort First Heating and Cooling. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll help your HVAC systems get in good shape for cold winter temperatures!

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