Orlando, Florida, is known for its moderate winter temperatures. However, as residents know, Orlando can get uncomfortably cold in the winter. You want to make sure that your home heating system will keep you warm on those cold days. Whether your heating system is not performing properly or you’re considering a replacement, here are several important factors to help you make the right choice.
Evaluating Your Indoor Comfort Needs and Lifestyle
The most important factor in choosing a new heating system is your comfort. Saving money and saving energy are important elements in selecting a system. However, the product must meet your indoor comfort needs. Because a heating system is expected to last between 10 and 15 years, you want to make sure it will satisfy your long-term requirements as well as immediate needs. If your household includes small children, people with health problems or elderly members, it is important to consider options carefully to ensure comfort for all.
The certified heating, ventilation and air conditioning professionals at E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat can help you evaluate your needs and recommend products that will keep you comfortable. Options include:
- Central ducted systems that distributed heated air throughout the living space.
- Heat pumps, including geothermal and air-source, that capture heat energy from the earth or air and route it into your home.
- Room heating units, such as electric resistance heaters and ductless mini-split units, that heat one space.
- Zoned systems that heat designated areas instead of an entire house.
- Hybrid units that automatically select the most energy-efficient fuel when temperatures drop below a designated threshold.
- Portable heaters that provide additional heat to a single room or space when needed.
In addition to selecting the type of system, you may elect to install helpful accessories, such as programmable thermostats, Wi-Fi-enabled controls and smart systems that work with other appliances in your home. For proactive service, Nexia Diagnostics remotely monitors and evaluates the real-time performance of your heating and cooling system with your permission. If a problem is seen, an alert is sent to your dealer, who will contact you about the issue.
Energy Efficiency
Older heating and cooling systems often result in high energy bills. Today’s HVAC technology builds in increased efficiency, resulting in lower fuel bills. Whether you use electricity, gas or oil, there are furnaces and heating systems that will lower energy bills without loss of comfort.
Furnaces are rated by annual fuel utilization efficiency, a measure of the ratio of fuel consumed compared to heat energy output. The higher the AFUE, the better the efficiency. If your furnace’s AFUE is 80%, that means 20% of the fuel consumed is lost and 80% is used as heat. Most furnaces today carry AFUE ratings of at least 90%.
Upfront Investment
As you plan your new heating system, consider the upfront investment in relation to long-term savings. Our trained professionals can help you. We recommend products that meet your budget and will keep you comfortable.
Proper Sizing and Installation
No matter how much you spend or what type of unit you select, proper installation is key to performance, comfort and energy efficiency. According to Energy Star, improper installation can reduce energy efficiency by as much as 30%. In addition, improper installation can affect how long your system lasts and increase the frequency of repairs.
As a Trane Comfort Specialist, our technicians undergo extensive training on state-of-the-art equipment. They are NATE-certified in core competencies and specialties, including ductless and heat pump installations. We are also an Energy Star Contractor, a nationally recognized designation that indicates we meet high industry standards. We take the time to calculate load for proper sizing. We follow the the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s standards for quality installation. Most of all, we care about our customers and strive for 100% customer satisfaction.
To find out more about a new heating installation for your home, feel free to speak to one of our friendly technicians.
