Have you ever thought of asking your HVAC contractor this question: We are building a new house with two floors, so what type of heating system do you recommend?
The answer will depend on the type of you home you live in. Heating installation in Coeur d’ Alene, ID is a complicated process, and it only takes a professional contractor to make it successful, especially for homes with multiple floors.
What are the Options You Can Consider?
You have several choices when it comes to heating installation in Coeur d’ Alene, ID in your new house. You can either opt for a heat pump or a furnace, depending on the type of home you live in. For instance, you could install a heat pump for smaller, low-rise houses with less than 2,000 square feet of conditioned space.
But if the area is more than two-stories high or if the climate is extremely cold in winter, then choose a furnace instead of a heat pump for your first floor. A second furnace would be required on the upper floor if this option was chosen. Also, keep in mind that you need separate return ducts for upstairs and downstairs furnaces, which will increase the system’s price.
Before you schedule a heating installation in Coeur d’ Alene, ID, let us check out these two options.
Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) vs. Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP
First, let us start with the heat pump.
If you think of installing either a geothermal heat pump (GHP) or an air-source heat pump (ASHP), you should know the pros and cons that come with each system. Keep reading.
A GHP system is more efficient than an ASHP for heating and cooling since it transfers heat energy from the ground into your home instead of just transferring heat from the outside air. A GHP system has a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating between 16 and 19, while an ASHP only has a SEER rating between 10 and 13 depending on its age, size, and efficiency level.
The main drawback to owning a geothermal heat pump is that its initial cost during heating installation in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. It is generally about 20% higher than an ASHP’s but this should be offset by lower utility bills over time. Keep in mind that other factors such as installation costs, energy rebates, and utility rates will affect the final price.
Gas Furnace vs. Electric Furnace
A gas furnace uses half the energy of electric furnaces—80% efficient at best, but generally only about 40%-60% efficient. When it comes to noise level, gas furnaces are generally noisier than electric varieties. They can produce a high-pitched noise that is very irritating for most people. To combat this, some manufacturers have added “anti-noise” devices to gas furnaces, which use insulation and other methods to reduce the sound level of their equipment.
When it comes to maintenance, gas furnaces require more frequent cleaning because they emit dirty air through the flue as exhaust. Electric furnaces do not have this issue due to their closed design, which prevents dirty fumes from being expelled into the home.
In the venting aspects, gas furnaces are vented directly outside. Electric furnaces are not vented at all, but instead, recirculate the heated air back into the home via a fan. Because of their venting requirements, gas furnaces require regular maintenance by professionals to prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
Don’t Know Which One to Install In Your Two-Story Home?
Regardless of what system you choose, a heat pump or a furnace, both guarantee effective heating in your home. Seek professional advice and recommendation from Bill’s Heating & A/C to determine the system that suits your needs, budget, and comfort. Call them at 208-777-5528 for the best heating installation in Coeur d’ Alene, ID.
