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!