The middle of winter is a pretty inconvenient time to have to install a new heating system in your home. No one likes to be without heat for any length of time during the coldest months of the year. Still, sometimes you don’t have a choice. Maybe your current heating system just isn’t up to the task of heating your home anymore, or you’re moving into an entirely new home and you don’t have a heater yet. Regardless, here are some possible options for installing a new heater this season.
What heater type should I install this season?
- Furnace: A tried-and-true option that reliably heats homes even in very cold weather. If natural gas is available, a gas furnace is often the go‑to choice.
- Heat Pump: Functions like an air conditioner but reverses refrigerant flow to provide both heating and cooling. Efficient year-round, though efficiency may dip in extreme cold. Maintenance is more frequent due to its dual role.
- Ductless Mini-Split: A specialized heat pump without ducts, offering individual air handlers in each zone with separate thermostats. It provides precise, room-by-room climate control, and both heating and cooling, though it may require a higher initial investment and professional installation.
Furnace Installation: Reliable Heating for Cold Winters
There’s a reason that furnaces are still so popular in homes across the country, despite more modern heating system types arriving on the market. Furnaces come in a wide variety of types, and are quite effective at heating a home even during very cold weather. If you’re looking for a new heating system, chances are good that a furnace is out there that can meet your needs. To understand performance differences, check out our guide to heating efficiency ratings explained. There are limitations, of course. If you want to use a gas furnace, for example, you’re going to need to have access to a natural gas line. Still, for many people, this is the ideal heating method.
Heat Pumps: Energy-Efficient Heating & Cooling
A heat pump looks and acts like an air conditioner in most respects, with one big exception. Heat pumps are able to change the direction that refrigerant flows through their systems, which enables them to act as either heaters or air conditioners on demand. This advantage makes them very attractive options for homeowners who want to save money and space on climate control. You’ll need to schedule maintenance for a heat pump more often, since they’re put under more strain throughout the year. They can also suffer a slight decrease in efficiency if used in extremely cold temperatures. Still, in exchange for that you get a very convenient and efficient method of climate control for the rest of the year.
Ductless Mini Splits: Flexible Comfort for Any Room
A ductless mini split system is a heat pump, but one that doesn’t use ducts. Instead, the system consists of smaller air handlers, one of which is installed in each zone to receive heat throughout the home. Each air handler has its own thermostat, which makes it possible to set a different ideal temperature for each room in the home. Like all heat pumps, ductless mini splits are able to offer both heating and cooling functions.
Because a ductless mini split is not a centralized system, installing one will often require a bit more of an up-front investment. Most homes are not already outfitted to make immediate use of a ductless mini split. If you want to have a more granular control over your home’s indoor climate and save money on heating costs, though, it might be well worth it. Just make sure that you have a qualified professional handle the work, as outlined in our heating installation and ventilation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Should I install a furnace this season?
Answer: Yes. Furnaces remain popular due to their strong performance during very cold weather. They burn fuel like gas or oil to heat water or air, effectively distributing warmth throughout your home, just be sure you can access a natural gas supply if opting for a gas model.
Question: What makes a heat pump a good choice for year‑round comfort?
Answer: A heat pump works like an air conditioner but can reverse its refrigerant flow to heat your home too. It offers both heating and cooling in one and saves space, but requires a bit more maintenance and may lose some efficiency in extremely cold temperatures.
Question: How is a ductless mini‑split different from a standard heat pump?
Answer: A ductless mini‑split is a type of heat pump that operates without ducts. Instead, individual air handlers in each zone allow for precise temperature control in different rooms, offering flexibility and potential energy savings, though upfront installation may be costlier.
Question: How do I decide which type of heater to install this season?
Answer: Consider your climate, existing infrastructure, and efficiency goals. Furnaces are ideal for cold climates, heat pumps offer heating and cooling year‑round, and ductless systems provide zoned comfort. Talk to an expert to assess your home’s needs and make an informed choice.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive heating installation services in Bucks County, PA. If you need a new heating system installed for whatever reason, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.