Is a Central Heating System a Good Choice for Your Home?

Choosing a heating system for your home involves careful consideration of various factors. Among the options, a central heating system is one that homeowners often consider. But is it the right choice for your home? Let’s delve into the details.

How Long Do Heat Pumps Typically Last?

Like all other types of heating systems, heat pumps have an expected life span. Knowing how long it will last will help you plan HVAC maintenance, as well as prepare for its eventual replacement, while ensuring your home’s comfort and reducing the risks of unexpected breakdowns. In today’s post, heating repair company Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning takes a look at how long heat pumps typically last, and how you can get the most years out of yours.

Why Your Heat Pump Isn’t Switching to Heating Mode

There’s nothing like a heat pump in your home providing warmth during the cold winter months. Like most appliances, you expect it to work as intended after a few adjustments on your thermostat. But what if it doesn’t? What could be the reason why your heat pump isn’t in heating mode? Trusted HVAC repair contractor Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning answers this question below.

Why Do Heat Pumps Trip Circuit Breakers?

Turning on your heat pump for the first time of the season can sometimes trip the circuit breaker, which is a relatively normal occurrence. However, if this happens frequently, it could be a sign of a problem that needs corrected. In today’s post, the HVAC contractors at Schmitt share a look at what causes heating systems to trip the circuit breaker and what can be done to prevent this.

Ideal Thermostat Settings for the Summer Season

It’s tempting to set the thermostat too low during the summer season and revel in the resulting blast of cold air. However, this won’t just result in higher energy bills: it could also damage your air conditioning system. In this blog, AC repair contractor Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning discusses how sticking to recommended thermostat settings can make your home more comfortable and prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system.

4 Tips to Save on Heating Costs

Heating can get costly during winter, whether you use a heat pump or a furnace. Fortunately, you can do several things to make your home more comfortable all winter long and still save on heating costs. Read on as Schmitt Heating and Air Conditioning shares some tips on how you can do this:

Hot Water Circulator Pumps: Important Things You Should Know

If you always find yourself having to wait too long in the morning for hot water before you can run a bath or take a shower, you should consider getting a hot water circulator pump. It can help you get the most out of your existing water heating system, as well as help you save on your water and energy costs. Schmitt Heating and Air Conditioning lists some of the important things you should know about it. Read more

Heat Pumps 101

Heat pump systems are designed to last for decades without needing frequent air conditioning or heating repairs. The reason behind their incredible efficiency is because unlike other HVAC systems, heat pumps move the heat around, instead of producing its own heat like boilers or furnaces.

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Common Problems Anyone With a Heater Should Know About

When you own a heater, you should know when something’s wrong and how you may be able to fix it. Before you call a professional, it’s good for you to know what the problem is so you can better describe to your technician the problem before they repair it.

Typical Central Heating Costs

Initial Costs and Extras

If you’re purchasing a new home or remodeling from a tear-down, the initial cost for a central gas furnace, or heat pumps, can be 10,000-20,000 dollars, with high efficiency models being slightly more expensive. The large range takes into account heating models purchased, number of registers, and system complexity. Being able to use existing ductwork and not having to dig into walls to run new venting can save 10,000-14,000 dollars on installation costs.

For simply replacing a gas furnace you can expect to pay around 1,700-4000 dollars. For an oil furnace about 2,000-5,000 dollars. And for a heat pump around 2,000-5,000 dollars. These costs are calculated for using existing ductwork, too. For new ductwork you can expect to pay significantly more. High-efficiency units can add between 1,000-2,000 dollars on top of those costs, too.

Keep in mind that these costs are for using existing ductwork and not having to replace or install any new ventilation. Doing so will significantly raise the costs of the installation. In some jurisdictions you will need to apply for a building permit in order to replace a furnace. The costs can range from 50-300 dollars. That may or may not be included in the price the contractor is charging you.

You will also want to discuss if there will be a fee for trash/debris removal after the installation. The other areas that you can rack up costs is with programmable thermostats, smart controls, and dividing your home into heating zones. But be aware that a home with zones is less efficient than a home without zones so you’ll need to weigh the benefits vs cost.

When shopping for a new central heating system look at several different models and different methods of heating to be sure that you’re choosing the best option available for you at the best price point, both for initial costs and operating costs.

Be sure to follow the Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning blog for all your HVAC information.