For most homeowners, the main requirement in a heating system is that it heats their home quickly and effectively. Once you know you have a reliable heating system, another significant consideration is its efficiency.
Knowing the operational differences between furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits can help you understand how efficiently they keep your home warm during the chilly winters. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best heating system for you and your family.
Furnaces
Furnaces are the tried-and-true solution for heating your home. Gas and electric furnaces are widely used throughout the Houston area because of their many benefits. Furnaces use their fuel source to create heat through combustion.
The benefits include:
- Quick heating ability
- Good indoor air quality
- Affordability
- Easy-to-access fuel source
Furnaces are moderate to highly efficient heating systems. Newer furnaces are much more energy-efficient than their old counterparts. Older furnace models’ efficiency ratings are typically in the 60% range, while more recent models are in the 90% range.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are growing in popularity in the Houston region. There are two types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat between the air in your home and the ground outside, whereas air-source heat pumps transfer heat between the indoor and outdoor air.
Because our winters are typically mild, heat pumps are an excellent alternative to traditional furnaces.
The benefits of heat pumps include:
- Lower operation costs
- Safety
- Smaller carbon footprint
- Longer life span
- Fewer maintenance costs
Heat pumps are highly efficient because of how they work. Instead of creating heat, they redistribute heat, which uses less energy in the process.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits have changed how many people heat their Houston homes. Ductless mini-splits offer a customized heating option by separating your home into zones. Now, you can have some rooms warmer than others based on preference, needs, and overall use.
Ductless mini-split benefits include:
- Easy and quick to install
- Customized heating options
- Great for additions or remodels
- Don’t require ductwork
Ductless mini-spits are highly efficient because they’re only heating a relatively small area. It helps that you can keep seldom-used rooms at a steady temperature, which reduces your energy bill.
Which Heating System Is Right for Me?
Choosing a heating system for your Houston home and family is a personal choice. You need to weigh each system’s benefits with your family’s needs and preferences. If energy efficiency is important to you, consider how often you need to use your heating system, how large your home is, and how warm you keep it.
These factors will help you decide if you should choose a furnace, heat pump, or ductless mini-split.
Reliable Heating Services in Houston, TX
When you need heating services in Houston, TX, choose Horizon Air Solutions. We’re the area experts in gas and electric furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. We can evaluate your needs and determine which heating system best suits your lifestyle and home.
Our technicians are licensed, insured, and background-checked for your peace of mind. We offer upfront pricing, and our family-owned business is dedicated to delivering superior, personalized customer service.
Contact Horizon Air Solutions at (346) 988-2977 for all your Houston heating system needs.