The 4 Main Types of Heating Systems
Last month on our blog, we talked about the 4 main types of air conditioners. This month, as the seasons’ change and colder weather approaches, our Sarasota HVAC pros thought we’d take a look at the 4 main types of heating systems.
Although we offer multiple kinds of whole-home heating systems, for this blog, we’re only going to be focusing on the big 4. In other parts of the country, you may hear more about other types of heating equipment, such as boilers or radiant heating. However, for Florida residents, these are the main options you should know about. Remember, when it comes to heater repair and installation, you can always trust the experienced professionals at Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating.
#1: Ductless Mini Split Systems
As we discussed last month when talking about air conditioning, ductless mini-splits provide heating and cooling power by passing air through an exterior and interior unit. These systems are extremely good for HVAC zoning, allowing you to control temperatures in specific rooms of your house. They are also ideal for those whose homes don’t have traditional ductwork. Although mini-split systems traditionally were not able to cover as much space, new technology has made this equipment more powerful while still being energy-efficient.
#2: Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use refrigerant and electricity to transfer heat throughout your home, concentrating and disposing warm air outside in the summer and bringing in concentrated warm air in the winter. While they can be expensive to install, heat pumps do not run on fuel, and therefore do not cost much to operate. In a state like Florida where you may only need minimal heating, many homeowners prefer them for this reason. Still, others prefer to create a hybrid system for more comprehensive comfort, combining heat pumps with… (heat pumps are nothing like mini-splits and they do require ductwork)
#3: Gas Furnaces
Probably the most traditional heating system on the market, gas furnaces remain extremely popular around the country. While most furnaces use natural gas, some will use another fuel source like oil or propane to generate heat. This heat is then distributed throughout your home via ductwork. Furnaces are what’s called a “forced air distribution system,” which is to say they rely on air ducts. Many homeowners prefer them for this reason, as they allow your central air system to use ductwork to deliver cooling power in the summer.
#4: Electric Furnaces
Similar to regular furnaces in that they distribute heat by forcing air through ductwork, the key difference with electric furnaces is that they do not rely on a fuel source. Electric furnaces lose less air than traditional gas furnaces, and tend to provide more consistent heating power overall. However, some homeowners do not like this kind of system because these units often cause your energy bills to go up, given how much electricity they take to run.
Need Heating Installation? Talk to your air conditioning repair experts at Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating today! Call (941) 371-3355.
