As temperatures drop, maintaining a warm and cozy home becomes a top priority for homeowners. While it’s tempting to simply crank up the thermostat, understanding the various types of home heating systems can lead to more efficient energy use and improved comfort.
In this blog, our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning walks you through some of the most common heating systems found in modern homes.
Forced Air Furnaces
Forced air distribution systems, commonly known as furnaces, are the most prevalent type of home heating system. These systems use a blower fan to distribute heated air throughout the house via a network of ducts. The fuel sources for forced air furnaces can be either natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. Their advantage is that they combine heating and cooling capabilities in one system.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps represent the latest advancement in home heating technology. They operate by extracting heat from the air outside and transferring it indoors through an air handler. Heat pumps can run on either natural gas or electricity. They’re a popular choice due to their ability to switch to air conditioning mode in summer.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
A popular variant of heat pumps is the ductless mini-split system. These flexible units consist of a small outdoor compressor and indoor air handlers that can be placed in different rooms, allowing for precise temperature control in each space.
Boilers and Radiators
Often found in older homes and apartments, boiler systems circulate steam or hot water through pipes to radiator units throughout the house. They run on natural gas, propane, fuel oil, biodiesel blends, or electricity. Boilers and heaters are advantageous because they provide comfortable heat without drying out the air.
In-Floor Radiant Heating
Radiant systems offer even heat distribution by using plastic water tubing or electrical wiring installed beneath the floor. This type of heating is available through gas, propane, electricity, or solar hot water systems. They provide steady, even heat across the entire home.
Choosing the Right System for Your Home
When selecting a heating system, consider factors such as:
Your local climate
The size and layout of your home
Energy efficiency ratings
Installation and maintenance costs
Integration with existing HVAC components
Understanding these various heating options can help you make the best decision about your home’s comfort and energy use. Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an outdated system, or simply curious about your current setup, knowledge of these heating systems is valuable for any homeowner.
Schedule Heating and Cooling Services in Salem with Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning!
To ensure your home heating system is operating at peak efficiency, regular maintenance is essential. Our team of experienced professionals at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs. From system inspections and tune-ups to repairs and new installations, we’re committed to keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Contact us today to schedule your heating system service in Salem, OR, today!
Summer is here but fall is right around the corner, meaning the importance of a reliable and efficient heating system in your home becomes more apparent. In Salem, Oregon, while many households traditionally use furnaces and boilers, a range of other heating options is available. Each of them is suitable for different home types and climates.
Here, our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning explores several popular heating systems, their installation costs, and their benefits to help you decide which is best for your home.
Best Heating System Options
Furnace Heating
Furnaces are a common choice in colder climates due to their efficiency. These systems work by burning natural gas, propane, or oil to heat air, which is then circulated throughout your home via ducts. Electric furnaces are also available and can be a primary or backup heating source.
Boiler Systems
Boilers heat water and circulate steam or hot water through pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating systems. This heating method is perfect for homes located in regions with harsh winters.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling. They extract heat from the air, ground, or water and use it to warm your home. Air-source heat pumps are ideal for moderate climates, while geothermal pumps, which utilize heat from the ground, are excellent for areas with colder temperatures.
In-Floor Radiant Heating
Radiant heating systems are installed beneath your floor and heat your home from the ground up. These systems can be either electric and use wires or hydronic and use hot water tubes. They silently operate and are known for their efficiency in evenly distributing heat without moving allergens around.
Hybrid Systems
Combining an electric heat pump with a gas furnace, hybrid heating systems are a flexible and energy-efficient solution for home heating. They automatically switch between gas and electric modes based on the temperature to provide the best comfort and efficiency.
Understanding Heating System Costs
The cost of heating systems varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the installation. For example, installing a gas furnace might be a lot lower than installing a heat pump as they have a higher upfront cost because of their dual functionality. Remember, the type of system you choose can greatly impact your monthly energy bills, with more efficient systems providing greater savings over time.
Maintaining Your Heating System
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring that any heating system maintains its efficiency and lasts long. Tasks such as replacing filters in forced-air systems or scheduling annual check-ups with a licensed HVAC technician can prevent potential issues and ensure your system runs smoothly throughout its service life.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning to Schedule Heating and Cooling Services!
Choosing the right heating system for your home is a big decision that can affect your comfort and budget for years. At Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the complexities of each option and can help guide you through selecting and installing the perfect system for your needs. As PGE-Approved Contractors and NW Natural Preferred Contractors, you can rest assured that you will receive the best heating and cooling services from licensed and experienced technicians.
An air conditioner is crucial in keeping your home comfortable, but it can also cost extra money if you aren’t careful. Learning how to avoid common mistakes can save you money and improve the energy efficiency of your system. Working with experts like Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning that provide air conditioning services can also save you money and boost the lifespan of your system.
air conditioning services
Here we’ve collected some of the most common and costliest air conditioning mistakes you should avoid.
Using a Dirty Filter
Air filters usually need to be replaced every few months. On the other hand, a dirty filter forces your system to work harder, which increases the cost of keeping your home cool. A new filter also puts less stress on your system, which helps extend your air conditioner’s lifespan.
Running Your Air Conditioner All Day
Keeping your air conditioner running all day can significantly raise your utility bill. The best option is to set the thermostat higher if you are away from home. A programmable thermostat is an excellent choice for creating a schedule to optimize cooling for your home.
Not Cleaning Around Your Outdoor Unit
Staying proactive by removing vegetation around your outdoor unit is essential in avoiding problems. Taking the time to remove weeds and keeping the grass mowed around your unit will optimize airflow. Your air conditioner will work much better by keeping the area clean.
Forgetting About AC Maintenance
Scheduling maintenance for your air conditioner is vital to making sure it’s working at an optimal level. Unfortunately, too many homeowners do not schedule ongoing maintenance services. A lack of maintenance increases the chance of dealing with costly ac repairs.
Not Replacing Your Old Unit
An older air conditioner will operate less efficiently over time. Typically, it’s a good idea to replace your unit if it’s between fifteen to twenty years of age. A new unit can make it easier to cool your home while lowering your utility bill cost.
Need AC Unit Repair? Give Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning a Call!
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers HVAC installation and repair services for customers in Salem and the surrounding areas. Our team also provides duct cleaning, fireplace installation, and other services.
