| What kind
of system is right for me?
The system that is right for you will depend on a number of
factors: your budget, your comfort expectations, physical
factors such as what type of system currently exists in your
home, the unique features of your home, and more. Below, you
can explore the system options available and some of the key
factors that affect your choice.
Types of systems
Key Accessories
System Control
Key factors that affect your choice
For more info scroll ahead, or click above on the subject
of your choice.
Types of systems
For the basics of heating or cooling temperature control,
you typically will have four system options.
Gas Furnace/Air Conditioner
Heat Pump
Small Packaged System
Boiler
Key Accessories
Additional comfort comes from having clean, fresh air as well
as proper humidity levels inside. These products will fine-tune
your system to help improve your overall comfort and the efficiency
of your indoor comfort system.
Air Cleaners
Ventilators
Humidifier
System Control
Most people are familiar with the basic thermostat. But, system
control is more than picking a temperature and walking away.
It includes being able to program a comfort schedule for different
times of day, setting humidity levels, and even setting different
temperatures for different areas of the home. Here's how:
Humidifiers
ThermidistatTM Control
Zoning System
Key factors that affect your choice
Some of your home comfort decisions will be made for you based
on some of the physical considerations involved, including:
Your home
Your existing system
Your geographical region
Energy sources available
Your home
Everybody's home is different. Some are big, some are small.
Older homes are not as tightly sealed as new ones, which means
efficiency is reduced. The number and size of windows, what
direction the home is facing, number of mature trees in the
yard and many more factors can affect your comfort, and may
play a part in deciding what type of system is best for you.
Your local heating and cooling contractor should have the
expertise to assess any unusual circumstances surrounding
the specific needs of your home.
Your existing system
If you are replacing an existing system, there are physical
and financial reasons to stay with the same type of system.
For example, if you currently have a boiler, it will be very
expensive and physically challenging to install the ductwork
you need for a forced-air furnace or heat pump.
If you want a new type of system because you were dissatisfied
with your comfort, remember that a new system will bring newer
comfort technology and energy efficiency. Also, your comfort
problem could be related to other issues, such as improper
ductwork, system balance, cleanliness or freshness of air,
humidity control and system control.
Your geographical region
Although there are exceptions to every rule, geography can
play a role in what type of system will work best in your
home. Here's the general idea:
Colder regions - Furnace or Boiler/Air Conditioner combo
Warmer regions - Heat Pump or Air Conditioner w/ supplemental
heat
Regions with land or space issues - Small Packaged Rooftop
systems
Energy sources available
Some systems simply won't work if the proper energy source
isn't available or too expensive to consider. The three most
likely energy sources for your comfort system are electricity,
gas or oil.
Electricity
If you have no gas or oil service, you will need to go with
an all-electric system, which means a heat pump or air conditioner.
You may be able to have a gas line installed at your home,
but that could be an additional cost. In some areas, electrical
rates are so low that an all-electric system can still be
the best option even if gas or oil are available.
Gas
If natural gas is available, furnaces and boilers become options
for you. You may still opt to have an all-electric system
if that suits your home or your personal preference.
Oil
If natural gas is available, furnaces and boilers become options
for you. You may still opt to have an all-electric system
if that suits your home or your personal preference.
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