What Kind of Heat Pump or Furnace Is Right for Your Home?

When you need a new heating and cooling system for your Midland, North Carolina, home, you want to choose the most efficient and high-tech system available. From power sources and sizing options to features and add-ons, find out what kind of heat pump or furnace is right for your home.

Fuel Sources

The first decision you’ll need to make when choosing a furnace or heat pump is deciding on the right fuel source. Most furnaces run on either oil or gas, and the type of power hookup your home has will determine what type of fuel source to choose. If your home relies on electric heat, you’ll want to shop for a heat pump.

Sizing Options

Furnaces and heat pumps come in a range of sizes, and the knowledgeable HVAC technicians at Dulin Mechanical Services have years of experience assessing the right heating capacity for your home. When we size a new HVAC system, our process uses much more than mere guesswork. After all, estimating the size of your new HVAC system could result in a heating and cooling system that’s too small or too large, which can compromise performance and contribute to poor efficiency.

Instead, our team uses industry standard software to get an accurate calculation. We factor in the size of your home, the level of insulation, the number and location of windows, the orientation of your home, and much more to determine the optimal system size for your home.

Efficiency Indicators

No matter what size of furnace or heat pump your home needs, our team always strives to build the most efficient heating system possible. After all, an efficient furnace is more likely to operate smoothly without needing numerous repairs, and it can save you money on utility bills for years to come.

When you’re shopping for a new furnace, always pay attention to the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. Ideally, the AFUE rating should be as close as possible to 100, though some ratings can be as low as 80. Models like the Trane XR95 furnace have an ultra-efficient 95 percent AFUE rating, which indicates that very little of its heating output goes to waste. That’s good news for your wallet and for your peace of mind.

If efficiency is a concern, look for an Energy Star label, too. Models with this label are up to 11 percent more efficient than typical furnaces and can save you in utility costs each year. Note that furnaces designed for North Carolina homes have special U.S. South Energy Star labels.

Features and Technology

Whether you’re looking for the most high-tech furnace or heat pump on the market or you simply want a heating system that will keep your family warm, our team can guide you in the right direction. We’ll explain the importance of two-stage heat pumps and furnaces, which operate at half power most of the time and only kick into higher gear on cold days. Two-stage models like the Trane XL95 furnace are designed for greater efficiency, longer heating cycles, improved heat distribution, and greater comfort throughout the winter.

Our technicians will also discuss features like zoning systems, which divides your home into two or more heating zones. If you have a multi-level home or if you tend to use some parts of your home far more often than others, zoning systems can substantially improve your family’s comfort while helping you save energy and utility costs by turning down the temperature in areas you use less.

Furnace and Heat Pump Add-Ons

Finally, you’ll want to ask our knowledgeable team about furnace add-ons. If you’re concerned about efficiency, for example, a smart thermostat is essential. If you want to make sure your home’s indoor air quality is as high as possible, talk with our technicians about whole-house air cleaners, humidifiers, or energy-recovery ventilators. Most of our newest furnaces and heat pumps connect seamlessly to HVAC add-ons, so you can look forward to investing in a heating and cooling system that offers superior comfort and efficiency.

Whether you’re ready to upgrade your heating system or you have questions about your existing system, we’re here to help. Call your local heating experts at Dulin Mechanical Services, Inc. (704) 237-3641.

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