Investing in a new heating system for your company can be a little overwhelming, especially when you start to consider the money and work that is involved. There’s no doubt that you want to get the best bang for your business buck, with heating that keeps you consistently comfortable without messing up your cash flow. Heating options are often specific to the structure and your location, so you want to choose the system that works best for you. Here’s what you need to know.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is a lot like an air conditioner, only it can move heat in both directions. Air conditioners work by drawing heat out of the building, and expelling it outdoors. During the cooler months, a heat pump can also draw heat from the outdoor air and circulate it indoors, making the space warmer. Heat pumps run on electricity, and are typically ideal for areas with milder winters. In the right situations, heat pumps allow businesses to get their heating and cooling from one unit, which could save money, and space on smaller properties. Many people who live in colder climates keep a heat pump for heating and cooling, and maintain a furnace for the coldest months.
Furnaces
In an area with harsh winter weather like Malden or Melrose, buying a furnace for a commercial space is fairly typical. Furnaces burn fuel or use electricity to heat air and send it throughout the building. They are a useful heating choice in virtually any climate that needs heating during the winter. Efficiency for furnaces is measured by a ratio of fuel spent in relation to heat created, known as the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Current models have a much higher efficiency than units that are decades old, as high as 98-100 percent, depending on the energy source.
Boilers
Boilers were more common around the country decades ago, but they still have a functional use for many properties today. Where a furnace heats air to move through the structure, a boiler relies on the heating of water to provide warmth for a building. Like furnaces, boilers can run on electricity, heating oil or natural gas. Since they heat water, some boilers may also provide water heating for the building. Boilers are often much larger and more expensive than a furnace, so it depends on the application of the heating system for your uses. If you have an older building that is already equipped for a boiler, installing a new boiler may be the most practical choice.
Considering Energy Sources
The energy you use for heating can also affect your options, and the price you pay on your heating bills. If your building’s heating system currently runs on electricity or heating oil, you might wonder about the benefits of switching to natural gas. Nationwide, about half the country heats their homes and businesses using natural gas. It is a heating source that can be delivered on an as-needed basis without needing to prepare a supply in advance, as people have to do with heating oil. In order to convert to natural gas, you must have a pipeline available in your area. In general, natural gas is the least expensive heating source, when compared to heating oil and electricity. Electric heating systems can be more efficient than those that run on natural gas or heating oil. Our heating experts can help you identify the energy source that will work best for your company’s needs.
How to Save Money on the Right Heating System
Buying a new heating system is at least a moderate investment, no matter what kind of products you choose. However, a new system might make a significant difference in the quality of heating that you receive, as well as its efficiency. Limping along with a worn-out heat pump, furnace or boiler can affect more than just your overall comfort in winter. Older systems are generally less efficient than the latest models, even with excellent upkeep. When you have a new heater installed in your business, you might notice a cut in your energy consumption and a decent drop in your heating expenses, without turning down the thermostat.
Realizing that your heating system is nearing the end of its lifespan may fill you with worry, but it doesn’t have to. When you have the information about the different kinds of heating systems available for your business, you can make an educated decision about your heating needs. At Evolved Mechanical, we have the expertise to provide you with the appropriate equipment to solve all of your heating problems. Give us a call today!