Summer is here but fall is right around the corner, meaning the importance of a reliable and efficient heating system in your home becomes more apparent. In Salem, Oregon, while many households traditionally use furnaces and boilers, a range of other heating options is available. Each of them is suitable for different home types and climates.
Here, our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning explores several popular heating systems, their installation costs, and their benefits to help you decide which is best for your home.
Best Heating System Options
Furnace Heating
Furnaces are a common choice in colder climates due to their efficiency. These systems work by burning natural gas, propane, or oil to heat air, which is then circulated throughout your home via ducts. Electric furnaces are also available and can be a primary or backup heating source.
Boiler Systems
Boilers heat water and circulate steam or hot water through pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating systems. This heating method is perfect for homes located in regions with harsh winters.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling. They extract heat from the air, ground, or water and use it to warm your home. Air-source heat pumps are ideal for moderate climates, while geothermal pumps, which utilize heat from the ground, are excellent for areas with colder temperatures.
In-Floor Radiant Heating
Radiant heating systems are installed beneath your floor and heat your home from the ground up. These systems can be either electric and use wires or hydronic and use hot water tubes. They silently operate and are known for their efficiency in evenly distributing heat without moving allergens around.
Hybrid Systems
Combining an electric heat pump with a gas furnace, hybrid heating systems are a flexible and energy-efficient solution for home heating. They automatically switch between gas and electric modes based on the temperature to provide the best comfort and efficiency.
Understanding Heating System Costs
The cost of heating systems varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the installation. For example, installing a gas furnace might be a lot lower than installing a heat pump as they have a higher upfront cost because of their dual functionality. Remember, the type of system you choose can greatly impact your monthly energy bills, with more efficient systems providing greater savings over time.
Maintaining Your Heating System
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring that any heating system maintains its efficiency and lasts long. Tasks such as replacing filters in forced-air systems or scheduling annual check-ups with a licensed HVAC technician can prevent potential issues and ensure your system runs smoothly throughout its service life.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning to Schedule Heating and Cooling Services!
Choosing the right heating system for your home is a big decision that can affect your comfort and budget for years. At Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the complexities of each option and can help guide you through selecting and installing the perfect system for your needs. As PGE-Approved Contractors and NW Natural Preferred Contractors, you can rest assured that you will receive the best heating and cooling services from licensed and experienced technicians.
Keeping your air conditioner working at an optimal level is a necessity during the summer months. Unfortunately, problems with your air conditioner can eventually happen for various reasons. Reaching out to a company providing AC unit repair services is always essential in handling any issues. An experienced company can make the needed repairs while ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the summer.
Here are the main reasons you should consider professional air conditioning services if you are ever dealing with any problems with your AC unit.
Quickly Resolve AC Issues
Waiting hours or even a few days for an AC repair is never a fun experience. The sooner you can get your system repaired is vital to staying comfortable, so it’s essential to reach out to an experienced HVAC professional. A qualified technician can quickly repair your air conditioner back up and running as soon as possible.
Maintain Warranty
An added benefit of hiring a professional for AC unit repair work is that it helps you stay in compliance with the manufacturer’s warranty. An HVAC technician can work on your AC unit; you won’t have to worry about voiding your warranty. On the other hand, trying to do things on your own can often negate the contract, and it’s never worth the risks. Reading over your manufacturer’s warranty is always a good idea before you schedule repairs.
Get the Job Done Right
Hiring the cheapest HVAC contractor to work on your air conditioner isn’t always wise. You will often have to reach out to another professional to get the job done right, which only costs you more time and money. Researching and asking for recommendations for the best HVAC repair company in your area is always worth the effort to ensure you are well-satisfied with the repair work.
Need AC Unit Repair? Give Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning a Call Today!
Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the leaders in providing air conditioning repair services in Salem, Keizer, and the surrounding area. We also specialize in furnace repairs, ductless heating systems, heat pumps, and much more. Providing top-quality HVAC services for each customer is always a priority. Feel free to contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about our heating and air conditioning services!
The furnace in your Salem or Keizer, OR, home will last for many years – but nothing lasts forever, and home furnaces take a lot of punishment. The combination of high heat, pressure, and numerous mechanical systems means that it will start failing over time, and eventually, the costs of furnace repair services will become too high.
So, is it time to look at replacing your furnace? Or can you keep ordering repairs for another year or two? Here are some factors to consider.
Three Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
1. The furnace is too old
Generally speaking, a furnace will run best for the first decade of service and then go downhill. It won’t fail immediately, of course, but most furnaces will only last around 15-20 years, even if they’re well-maintained.
So if your furnace is 15+ years old, you can assume it doesn’t have many more years left. That’s the point that replacement starts making more sense than repairs.
2. Repair costs are rising
How often are you calling for furnace repair services in the Salem-Keizer area? Even if your furnace is pretty old, there’s probably no reason to replace it if it’s not giving you trouble. On the other hand, if you find yourself calling for repairs every year – or more often – those repair costs are going into a money pit. It’s probably not worth continual repairs if you can afford a replacement.
3. You want better energy efficiency
Beyond maintenance factors with the furnace, there’s another issue here: energy efficiency. 2020s furnaces are far more energy-efficient than models from twenty years ago. Installing a new furnace is virtually guaranteed to reduce your energy bills at least somewhat, and the amount you save will largely depend on what kind of replacement you choose.
You might even want to consider a home heat pump, which replaces both your A/C and furnace with a single all-in-one unit. A heat pump has a smaller footprint, freeing up floor space and offeringthe best energy efficiency in the HVAC market.
Since 1966, Melton’s has been a leader in furnace repair services and sales in Salem, Keizer, OR, and across the Willamette Valley. If your current furnace is old and giving you problems, or you just want to upgrade to the latest and greatest in-home HVAC appliances, contact us to discuss your options!
