There are many signs that can indicate the need for a new heating system. Some include an increase in energy bills or a string of repair needs. Before you choose a new heating installation for your home in Ladson, South Carolina, make sure you tackle these tasks:
Consider Your Budget
Check your finances to determine how much you can reasonably afford to pay for your new heating system. A new heating system is a major investment. We understand this and can help you explore your options to find the best system within your means.
Another key consideration is your monthly budget. If you have a home improvement fund that you can dip into for an energy-efficient heating system, you’ll typically find that this makes a great improvement to your monthly expenses. Modern systems use less energy, so you should be able to trim your monthly utility bill noticeably if you upgrade to a more efficient unit.
Have Your Home Properly Sized
Heating systems aren’t a one-size-fits-all installation. Unfortunately, some builders use a loose rule of thumb calculation when they’re choosing HVAC systems for new developments. This can leave you with an under- or oversized unit. Our service technicians can help you properly size your home to determine which installations are appropriate for your needs.
While you may think that bigger is better for your home comfort, this isn’t the case. If your system is too large, it’ll cycle on and off frequently. As a result, it’ll quickly heat the area around the thermostat but leave cold spots in the further reaches of the home. A system that’s too small will often run continuously in an attempt to keep the home warm while failing to hit the temperatures that you’re after. In both cases, your heater will suffer excessive wear and tear, leading to more repair needs and a shorter lifespan.
Review Your Options
While you can certainly upgrade to a heating system that’s similar to what you currently have, it’s also worth considering the alternatives. A central heating system is typically the most common choice. We carry a wide range of Carrier furnaces that can meet your needs. One thing to consider when you’re comparing furnaces is the blower. A single-speed blower is the least efficient choice, as it only operates on on or off. A two-speed or variable-speed blower offers more flexibility, so it can utilize the most efficient speed for your current needs.
Another option to consider is a ductless heat pump, which transfers heat from one area to another rather than generating it. This process uses less energy. You also have the added benefit of a duct-free installation, which eliminates the risk of leaky ductwork that wastes energy.
Geothermal heat pumps work similarly but draw heat from underground rather than the air outside. Using a series of liquid-filled coils buried in the earth, a geothermal heat pump will extract heat from within the ground and use this as a highly efficient means of warming your home. Our service technicians can help you explore these options in greater depth to get the right fit for your home.
Explore Add-Ons
While you’re upgrading your heating system, consider some other optional features that could further enhance your system’s performance. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, upgrading this part of the system can help you build a smarter home that’s better able to meet your needs. A smart thermostat can learn from your behaviors and utilize efficient settings that give you optimum comfort with minimal energy use.
We also offer several indoor air quality solutions that can help you breathe easier. A whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier will help you manage moisture levels in the air. A ventilator will bring in clean outdoor air to prevent a stuffy home, while an air cleaner can filter out irritants.
If you’re ready to start looking into your choices for a new home heating system, call Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning at (843) 277-6030. We’ll help you pick the perfect unit for your comfort needs.
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