Affordable Furnaces
Furnaces use fuel such as gas, oil, or electric to heat the air and then distribute it through the home using vents and ductwork. This is the most common heating system in the US. They are great for lower utility bills, superior air quality, affordability, and a life span of up to 20 years. And as technology has progressed, units have more user-friendly features such as Bluetooth connections, smart timers, and more. When it comes to a new furnace for winter heating, there are a couple of different options to choose from.
Gas Furnace
Gas is usually cheaper than electricity which makes it a great fuel choice if you have access to natural gas lines. Newer units have improved safety features and carbon monoxide detectors. For American who live in cold, northern regions, a gas furnace is virtually a must. Plus, the low cost of natural gas means a gas furnace is often the most affordable heating and air option.Oil Furnace
Circulates warm air in the same way that a gas furnace does using ducts and vents, but uses oil instead of natural gas. Still are used in colder environments like the northeastern US, an oil furnace is no longer the most cost effective way to heat in winter. However, for those who don't live near natural gas lines, an oil furnace will do the job.Electric Furnace
These units are the least expensive upfront, but the most expensive long term. Electric furnaces use an electric element to provide the required heat to keep the home warm. They can drive your electric bill up, so make sure you select one that promises efficiency in its operating costs. These furnaces are a great choice for houses that can only use all-electric heating.Affordable Boilers
Boilers use water that gets heated in the main boiler unit. The heat runs through pipes, radiators and other devices. After all the heat is dispersed, the cool water returns back to the boiler and the process continues again. This type of heating is known as a hydronic system. These boilers may use gas or other natural fuel, and high-efficiency options are available to reduce long-term costs. Boilers are a more expensive and less modern heating option, but some houses and buildings already have the infrastructure built-in with pipes and radiators to easily install a boiler. So, when you already have all the infrastructure necessary for a boiler, but lack air ducts that's when a boiler becomes an affordable heating and air solution. However, more modern homes not designed to utilize boiler technology should stay away.Affordable Heat Pumps
Heat pumps have recently been seen as the “up and coming” heating option even though they have been around for a while and are not an entirely new technology. These HVAC systems provide highly efficient, year-round climate control with the support of an electric system. There are two kinds of commonly used heat pumps: air heat pumps and ground source heat pumps, but both can deliver affordable heating and air.
Air-Source Heat Pumps
These use air to keep your home warm or cool. They are installed like any other central air conditioner and are less expensive than ground source heat pumps. They can be used in most climates. If you live in a very cold part of the country that has regular -10 degree temperatures, you will need an auxiliary heating system to help fill in the gaps.Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Also known as geothermal heat pumps, these pumps draw heat from deep in the ground or groundwater and distributes the heat through your house. A hollow coil is buried in a trench 30 feet deep around your home and provides consistent temperature maintenance year-round. A good ground source heat pump can be expensive but does offer long-term savings on your utility bill. When it comes to affordable heating and air, there is simply nothing better for long term savings than a geothermal unit.Affordable Ductless Systems
Perfect for older homes that don’t have existing ductwork in place, these standalone systems can be easily installed. Typically, a ductless system is a more affordable heating and air solution than traditional central HVAC. Ductless mini-splits have heat and cool settings, are highly efficient, and can be installed by most pros in a very short time. Most of these systems come with a remote control and “smart” abilities and are easy to use. They are much more cost-effective than an entire HVAC system that may cost thousands of dollars.
Timing is Everything
Do you know that your current system is on its last legs? The difference between expensive and affordable heating and air can sometimes come down to timing. When possible, plan your new HVAC install for spring and fall to get the best deal! Summer and winter are the busy seasons. You don't want to buy a new unit then. Plus, resellers are more likely to run sales and rebates during the off season to drive sales. Finally, you won’t have to wait as long for installation as most heating and cooling professional won’t be as busy as they are in the summer and winter months. Take your time, know what you can spend and look for the best bang for your buck.Rebates & Incentives
Interested in expensive but high efficiency systems like a geothermal heat pump or high SEER ductless system? Those price tags can be scary. But have you checked the rebates that are available? A good rebate or tax credit can really make the difference. For example, the Federal government routinely provides geothermal tax credits of over 20%. Meaning that homeowners who install a high efficiency ground-source unit can save 20% of the purchase and installation cost on their taxes. This is a great example of the incentives that you should check prior to purchase.Find Available Air Conditioning Rebates Here
