Heating system installation involves selecting a unit that effectively warms your home and meets your local climate needs. Whether you want a furnace, heat pump, or boiler, asking your installer the right questions can help prepare you to make informed decisions throughout the process. Here are six questions to ask before installing a heating system:
1. What Type of Heating System Suits My Home?
Before installation, learn about the heating systems available for your home. Furnaces powered by natural gas, oil, or propane distribute warm air through ductwork. Boilers heat water to provide hot water or steam and may be used in radiant heating systems. Heat pumps offer versatile heating by transferring warmth from the air and doubling as cooling systems during warmer months. Your home’s design and layout will influence which options are viable. A split-level home may benefit from a furnace installation, while a home without ductwork could need a boiler or radiant heating system.
2. How Is the System’s Energy Efficiency?
If saving energy is a priority for your home, ask about energy-efficient installation options. Have your contractor explain the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings for furnaces and boilers or the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) ratings for heat pumps. Higher efficiency ratings can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
3. What Size Heating System Do I Need?
Clarify that your contractor will conduct a standardized heat load calculation before choosing and installing a heating system. This calculation evaluates your home’s layout, size, insulation, window type, and other factors to determine the right size of unit needed for optimal comfort. An undersized unit may struggle to heat a home, while an oversized unit may short cycle. Choosing the right system size can help achieve balanced temperatures throughout your home. Home upgrades like adding insulation may affect the heat load calculation results, so share potential home improvement plans before scheduling your installation.
4. What Are the Installation Requirements?
A heating system installation may have specific setup requirements, so confirm that your home meets them before installation day. Find out the size of any equipment pads or platforms that will need to be installed for stability. You should also determine whether electrical capacity upgrades or wiring retrofits are required to manage the new system’s power demands.
Boilers and heat pumps may need condensate drainage paths. Prepare for possible service shutoffs during installation and request advanced notice to minimize any inconvenience. Clarify the installation timeline, as permitting, demolition, equipment installation, and testing may take several days to accommodate. Understanding the preparation work your contractor will need to perform can help you avoid delays on installation day.
5. What Maintenance Will the System Require?
Clarify the routine maintenance your heating system will need to operate smoothly. Heat pumps can require periodic cleaning of outdoor condenser coils to maintain airflow and efficiency. Boilers may need annual servicing to flush the system, inspect valves, and test pressure levels. If you want to have an air filter installed, inquire about optimal locations and sizes for your system. Understanding these maintenance tasks can help extend your system’s lifespan and allow you to plan for professional servicing.
6. What Should I Know About the New System?
Request a walk-through to learn how to operate your new thermostat and adjust settings and modes on the equipment itself. Ask for instructions on post-installation checks, such as cycling times and room temperatures. This information will help you monitor initial performance and identify any necessary adjustments for optimal efficiency. Clear guidance on system settings can also make seasonal adjustments and long-term maintenance easier.
Schedule a Heating System Installation Today
Asking questions before a heating system installation helps make sure the system chosen is a suitable fit for your home and needs. It allows you to clarify details about energy efficiency, system sizing, maintenance requirements, and installation processes, which can affect your overall comfort and system performance. Contact a professional heating company today to install your new system and maintain a comfortable indoor climate.