When winter comes to Southeast Michigan, it brings bitter weather and biting winds. Knowing your heating system is ready to keep your home warm is important, and that means having the right heating system.
With the options available, like heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers, understanding the benefits and limitations of each helps you make the best choice. At AAA Service Network, we want to help you make your choice. Here’s the information you need to choose the right heating system for your Michigan home.
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Furnaces
When we think about heating our homes, furnaces are probably one of the first ways we think of. They’re one of the most common heating systems in Michigan homes. They use gas, electricity, or oil to push warm air through ductwork and into your home.
Some of the benefits of furnaces include fast heating, easy availability, compatibility with most homes, and relatively low initial costs. On the other hand, furnaces can spread dust, allergens, and other airborne irritants. Plus, older models can be inefficient, which increases your energy costs.
If you’re considering a furnace for your Southeastern Michigan home, make sure you think about the fuel type. Gas is most common here, but you also have electric and propane options. Make sure your home has the ductwork you need for a furnace and consider choosing a furnace with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) to save on energy costs.
Boilers
Boilers are another good option for heating Southeastern Michigan homes. They heat water to create steam or hot water, which is distributed through radiators or radiant floor systems throughout your home. This provides comfortable, consistent, and even heating without needing ductwork.
One of the main benefits of a boiler system is the even warmth. Because they use hot water or steam to create the heat, the air is more humid, making it more comfortable. They’re also quiet and tend to last longer than furnaces. Setup for boilers is more expensive than other heating systems and they do take longer to heat a home.
If you’re thinking about using a boiler, gas and oil boilers are most common, but electric and geothermal boilers exist too. You also need to choose between hydronic (water-based) or steam systems. It’s also important to remember that homes with adequate insulation do better with boiler systems.
Heat Pumps
Even in Southeastern Michigan homes, heat pumps are growing in popularity. These versatile systems provide both heating and cooling. They work by transferring heat instead of creating it.
Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home. Because of their versatility, they can give you year-round climate control in an environmentally friendly option. Heat pump installation is more expensive than other options, and you’ll likely need an additional heat source during the coldest parts of our Michigan winters.
There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. Air-source systems are more affordable and ground-source systems are more efficient. Heat pumps are great for homeowners who want heating and cooling from one system, but you need to make sure your electrical system can handle the extra load.
Choosing the Right Heating System for Your Michigan Home
The most important part of choosing the right heating system for your Michigan home is knowing your preferences and needs. You should make sure your system is sized properly and your home has the insulation to keep your heating system efficient.
Think about the upfront costs against your long-term energy savings. If you’re working on a new build, you have more flexibility, but if you’re retrofitting an existing home, it makes more sense to work within your current infrastructure.
Work With the HVAC Professionals at AAA Service Network
With over 45 years of experience, AAA Service Network is committed to providing reliable and efficient heating solutions for Southeast Michigan homeowners.
Whether you’re installing a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, our certified technicians are here to guide you through every step. We offer financing options and warranties that give you peace of mind.
Schedule HVAC services with AAA Service Network today.
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