The average home heating system lasts up to 20 years. Since Montgomery, Alabama’s relatively mild climate puts minimal strain on home heaters, your system will likely enjoy a longer lifespan. However, when your furnace begins to experience more breakdowns and diminished efficiency, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. Considering your options early will give you plenty of time to see what’s available before you’re feeling the pressure to make a fast decision to beat the cold.
Size Your Home
A professional service technician should size your home to determine how large your new heating system should be. A furnace that’s oversized or undersized presents hazards, so it’s important to get this measurement right.
If your furnace is too large, it’ll cycle too often, which will increase your energy bills and shorten the system’s lifespan. A furnace that’s too small will run continuously in a futile effort to keep up with your demands. It’ll leave your home feeling chilly.
Our professionals can help you avoid these problems and find a product that’s a perfect fit.
Determine Your Budget
We carry heating systems to suit any budget. If you’re looking for an affordable option, an electric furnace is typically a good place to start. You can find simple systems to fit a limited budget. Gas furnaces tend to be more expensive, and oil furnaces cost even more.
Keep in mind that the more you pay for your system now, the less you’ll typically pay in utility bills later. Research your options carefully and consider the lifespan of a particular unit, its repair needs, and its efficiency. A system that’s cheap at installation may come with more frequent repairs and with a need for an early replacement, rather than one that’s a larger upfront investment and will come with a long lifespan of minimal repairs.
Set Efficiency Goals
If you’re looking to lower your utility bills, upgrading to a more efficient heating system is an effective way to do it. The AFUE rating will tell you how efficient each heating system is. The higher the number, the better your heater’s energy efficiency.
If you’re interested in making a significant upgrade to your energy efficiency, consider an innovative alternative such as a geothermal heat pump. Geothermal systems draw heat from beneath the earth’s surface, offering greater efficiency and a greener approach to home comfort.
Consider Additional Upgrades
Adding other products to your new heating system can enhance its overall operation and efficiency. Do you have a programmable thermostat? If you’re still working with a manual control system, upgrading to a smart thermostat will give you enhanced control over your comfort.
Wi-Fi enabled thermostats are adjustable from anywhere using an app on your phone. Thermostats with adaptive technology will monitor and learn your habits to deliver optimum comfort with minimal energy use.
Make sure the air cycling through your heating system is as clean as possible by adding a whole-home air cleaner with your new installation. A UV lamp will kill airborne irritants like mold and bacteria in the home. Adding a ventilator to the system will help you exhaust stale air to the outside and pull fresh air in. Including the right installations alongside your heating system can dramatically improve your overall comfort.
If you’re ready to start shopping for a new heating installation, contact Air Conditioning by Luquire today. We’ll help you find the right product for your needs, taking your budget, home size and efficiency goals into account. When you’re ready, we’ll schedule a fast and efficient installation service, so you can start enjoying your updated heating system quickly. Give us a call at 334-230-5870 to learn more about the heating products and services available for your home.
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