A good space heater can be nice on cold days, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats whole home heating. It provides better comfort while also heating your home more efficiently and saving energy. What kind of whole home heating system do you want, though? What are the best brands? Here’s a basic guide.
Types of Whole Home Heating
When it comes to heating your home, you have two basic options: furnace or heat pump. A furnace has a heating source, which heats the air and distributes it through your home. The most common heat source is natural gas, but you can also use an oil or wood-burning system.
Heat pumps work by extracting the heat from the outdoor air and moving it inside. They work similarly to air conditioners, except with AC units, the hot air is a byproduct which is pumped outside. With a heat pump, the hot air is the goal, and it is pumped into the house.
Heat pumps use less energy than furnaces, but they’re most effective in milder climates. Once the temperature gets below freezing, they begin losing efficiency and must be supplemented with a regular furnace. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get some energy-saving value from a heat pump — at least for part of the year — even during the Ohio winter.
Best Whole Home Heating Brands
Once you’ve chosen a whole home heating system, the next step is deciding on a brand. There are a number of great options.
For heat pumps, Carrier makes efficient and reliable models. They’re durable and long-lasting, as well as being great for reducing your carbon footprint. Many come with variable-speed air handlers to regulate airflow on milder days. Ruud heat pumps are also built to last, as they’re made with quality parts that are rust- and corrosion-resistant.
For furnaces, Lennox is a top brand, with models ranging from 80% to 98% AFUE. Finally, Trane is a trusted name in furnaces, with efficient and moderately priced models that will last for years.
To find the best whole home heating systems, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We help the Dayton area make informed HVAC purchases and serve their home-comfort needs.
