It’s time for an overview of Residential HVAC Options. Whether you are building a new house or replacing your current heating system, it is good to know what your options are. Let’s look at the different methods of heating your Missoula home and see what fits you best.
Types of Missoula Residential HVAC Systems
· Boiler systems heat homes by heating water and sending either hot water or steam throughout the home in baseboard radiators, in-floor radiant systems, or through coil systems. These are more efficient than a furnace system because water is a better heat conductor than air. On the negative side, boilers can freeze during long power outages during winter.
· Furnace systems heat homes by heating air and then sending the air through the home by a system of ducts. These systems are very fuel efficient and heat a space quickly. Furnaces can last twice as long as a boiler system, with electric furnaces outlasting gas furnaces. Electric furnaces are cheaper to install, but gas furnaces are substantially cheaper to run.
· Heat pumps work by pumping heat from one location to another. In winter, it pulls heat from the outside air and pumps it into the home. In summer, it pulls the heat from indoor air and pumps it outside to cool a home. Pros of a heat pump are its efficiency and its ability to both cool and heat a home. Cons of a heat pump include a decrease in efficiency below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and struggle to maintain the desired temperature below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
· Radiant in-floor heating utilizes either electricity or hot water coils in the floor to heat a space. The heat then radiates up and is absorbed by objects including the floor, furniture and people. There are many factors to consider, specific to each room. For example, a sunroom will require different output than a bathroom.
· Ductless systems, or mini-split, consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and an indoor air handling unit. These systems are commonly used for a single room or secluded space added onto a pre-existing structure to avoid having to reroute ductwork or piping to heat/cool the addition. These are also utilized in historic districts with renovation restrictions and limitations. This method is highly effective and efficient at zone heating.
· Geothermal and Ground source systems use a heat pump to bring heat from inside the Earth into your home. Geothermal systems can both heat and cool houses. This method is renewable, sustainable, and reliable. There must be a geothermal plant near your home in order for you to be able to tap into this resource. It is extremely expensive on the front end, but extremely cheap as time passes.
All heating systems have pros and cons to weigh. Some cost more on the front end while others cost more over time. Each system will need repairs from time to time, but with proper maintenance and conditions, any of them will keep your home comfortable for years to come!
Missoula Residential HVAC services
· Indoor air quality is an important factor to consider in your home, simply because of the amount of time you spend in it. Garden City Plumbing and Heating perform indoor air quality tests to ensure the safety and comfort of your home. If problems are present, you will have the best crew around already on site to get any issues dealt with.
· If you are having issues with rooms being noticeably warmer or cooler than the rest, investing in zone control can be the solution for you! Whether it is adding a thermostat to control part of the home or adding a mini-split, you can attain even heating in your home!
· Duct cleaning is maintenance that is often forgotten. Out of sight is out of mind. Pet hair as well as mold or mildew can accumulate in ductwork. This can cause the heating system to struggle as well as cause the air in your home to affect your health.
· Ductwork is designed to keep your home safe and running efficiently. However, if there are holes, contaminants can enter your home. Duct sealing can ensure the air passes to where it is supposed to.
· Thermostats can seem like such a simple thing, but they can cause big problems. A simple dead battery can seem like a MUCH larger problem. Accurate thermostats are relatively cheap and easy to install and can make your ease of comfort surprisingly better!
No matter what stage of the project you are on, give us a call at Garden City Plumbing and Heating. We can help you decide which route to take on your upcoming new build or a retrofit that you have been planning. If you are looking for a Missoula Residential HVAC Contractor to service your existing heating system, we got you covered there too!