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A new furnace or heat pump is a significant investment in indoor comfort. The quality of the equipment is important, but the installing heating contractor will have a major impact on the overall performance and total operating cost of the unit. Knowledgeable HVAC contractors help guide their customers through every phase of the equipment selection and installation process.

Heating and air conditioning equipment come in many capacities, configurations, and efficiencies. It can be very confusing. Consumers usually choose a heating appliance based on utility costs, fuel availability, and the local climate. In areas that experience extreme winter weather, heating system selection is usually limited to a gas or fuel oil furnace. For those living in milder climates, heat pumps present a practical alternative. Heat pumps are also popular in areas without a natural gas infrastructure.

Furnaces

The cost of a gas furnace is usually tied directly to its AFUE rating, which is a measurement of heating efficiency. A furnace with an AFUE rating of 80 exhausts 20 percent of the fuel it consumes as wasted gas and converts 80 percent into heat energy. Furnaces with an efficiency rating higher than 80 are most appropriate in areas with cold winter weather.

Furnaces also include technology designed to provide better air flow and more even temperatures throughout the living area. Modulating gas valves and variable speed motors help improve indoor comfort and enhance efficiency.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are similar to air conditioners in terms of mechanics and operation. The inclusion of a reversing valve allows the refrigerant to flow in either direction, which provides both heating and cooling from a single unit.

Like an air conditioner, the effectiveness of a heat pump in the cooling mode is measured by its SEER rating. For heating efficiency, the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a calculation based on BTU output relative to the total electrical power consumed. A new heat pump can save up to 30 percent on heating fuel costs when compared an older model.

It is important to recognize the limitations of a heat pump in colder climates, though. Since the efficiency of thermal transfer decreases as the outdoor temperature falls, heat pumps are usually not installed in areas that routinely experience sub-freezing temperatures. Air handlers can be equipped with an electric heat strip to provide supplemental heating when the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but for the most part, heat pumps are a viable option for Hendersonville, N.C., and the surrounding areas.

Chances are your heating and cooling system is the most important – and expensive – piece of machinery in your home. In fact, it’s probably also the largest consumer of energy! For such an important piece of equipment, an HVAC system often doesn’t receive the regular attention that it needs to operate properly. A reliable heating appliance is a necessity, especially in homes with young children or elderly family members. When a furnace or heat pump breaks down, it is critical to contact a heating contractor who has extensive experience in every aspect of heating repair and maintenance.

Our NATE-certified technicians are equipped with the most advanced diagnostic tools to accurately locate the source of any malfunction. We quickly implement the required heating repairs and restore the system to full functionality.

Nicholson Company is a full-service heating contractor specializing in air conditioning and heating repair, installation, and maintenance. Our training, knowledge, and experience are your assurance that every system we install and service will operate reliably and efficiently through an extended lifecycle.