What Are the Different Types of Home Heating Systems?
There are a number of different types of home heating systems available for installation and use in Central Indiana area homes. Before you replace your existing unit, explore your options – installing a new unit of the same system type isn’t always the best choice as far as your comfort, budget, and expectations are concerned. Mission Mechanical installs different types of home heating systems that offer excellent cold weather comfort. Let’s take a look at the different types of heating systems as well as the pros and cons that come with each.
Furnaces for Heating
Perhaps the most well-known of the different types of home heating systems is the furnace. Furnaces use fuel to create heat in order to warm the air. Here in Central Indiana, natural gas furnaces are the most common furnace system choice due to the reliable warmth they produce and affordable natural gas prices. Electric furnaces, oil furnaces, and liquid propane furnaces can also be installed, depending on the fuel sources available to a home and homeowner preferences.
Pros of Furnace Installation
- Furnaces offer reliable heating no matter how cold it is outside, which is a definite plus with our chilly Indiana winters. The outdoor temperature has no effect on their ability to heat a home, which is an issue that can affect air source heat pump system users.
- There are many equipment options to choose from when installing furnaces. Basic efficiency furnaces are highly affordable and reliable. High-efficiency furnaces offer superior energy efficiency using features such as modulating gas valves and variable speed blower motors. Condensing furnaces with secondary heat exchangers reuse combustion byproducts that are normally wasted to generate more heat for the home without consuming additional fuel.
Cons of Furnace Installation
- Among the different types of home heating systems using furnaces, operating costs and purchase prices can vary. Electric furnaces are typically the most affordable option to purchase, yet cost a lot to operate due to high utility costs. Natural gas furnaces are more expensive to buy yet more affordable to operate due to lower utility rates.
- The lifespan of different types of home heating systems using furnaces varies greatly between gas and electric models. Natural gas furnaces average 15 to 20 years of service while electric units can last 20 to 30 years.
Ductless HVAC Systems for Heating
Ductless mini splits are another type of home heating system which can be installed in Central Indiana homes. These systems utilize a single outdoor unit connected to one or multiple indoor air handling units to deliver conditioned air directly into an area – no duct system is necessary for air distribution. These heat pump systems run using electricity only and heating isn’t their only power – they are also used to cool the home.
Ductless HVAC Pros
- Ductless mini split heat pumps are unlike many different types of home heating systems because they also function as cooling systems. Installing these systems can replace a conventional heating unit as well as an older air conditioner to provide the home with reliable, energy-efficient heating and cooling for years to come.
- Using a ductless mini split heating system is very energy efficient, for numerous reasons. First off, they don’t use ducts to move heated air so there’s no risk of energy loss through duct leaks which is a serious problem in many homes. With individual air handling units installed in locations throughout the house, the system provides zoned heating and the ability to heat different areas based on individual needs without impacting temperatures throughout the rest of the house.
Ductless HVAC Cons
- Compared to different types of home heating systems using furnaces, ductless mini splits can cost more to install. The final price of purchase and installation depends on the number of air handlers to be installed and other system details. Costs can be as much as 30 percent more than installing a new furnace system.
- Ductless mini split systems require air handlers to be installed directly inside living areas, whereas furnaces have their equipment installed in spaces that are more hidden, like utility closets, basements, attics, or garages. Some homeowners do not like the look of this equipment inside their living areas, which can be a drawback for certain individuals.
Heating System Installation in Central Indiana
If you have questions about the different types of home heating systems available for installation, contact the experts at Mission Mechanical. Our team is available to walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you determine the best heating system choice for your home and budget. Ready to get started? Contact the heating and air conditioning professionals at Mission Mechanical today.
