Key takeaways:
- Getting a new heating system is a decision that impacts your energy bills for the coming years.
- Furnaces and heat pumps are most popular in Middle Tennessee, but you should choose the system that best meets your unique heating needs.
- Airstream can guide you through this process with quality HVAC work and personalized recommendations.
Whether your current heating system has reached the end of its life or you’re building a new home, choosing the right heating solution is key.
Get it wrong, and you could end up paying more on energy bills for the next twenty years.
Where should you start? What kind of heating system is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at heating system installation to guide you through this important decision.
What Kind of Heating System Is Right for Your Murfreesboro Home?
Before looking into heating installation services, you should understand what system is best for your home. There is no one-size-fits-all, and the best option depends on several factors:
- You should consider your heating needs, the size of your home, and how much time you spend in it.
- Climate is another significant consideration. Murfreesboro and the greater Middle Tennessee area have relatively mild winters so that you can get away with a budget-friendly heater. However, the summer can be an absolute scorcher, and you should think about a central heating system that you can combine with an AC solution.
For this reason, furnaces are extremely common in Tennessee homes. These reliable appliances run on gas or propane and can share a duct system with your air conditioning unit.
That being said, heat pumps are gaining popularity in the region. They’re very energy-efficient and some models double as cooling systems. The tradeoff is that you’re spending a little more upfront when purchasing the appliance, but you’ll save a lot on your energy bills in the long term.
As a Tennessee homeowner, you have a few other options to explore if furnaces and heat pumps aren’t a good fit:
- Ductless mini-split systems use refrigerant to transport heat throughout your home. They’re ideal if you don’t have ductwork or want zone heating and cooling.
- Radiant heat systems are less popular but can be a good option to deliver targeted heat to a bathroom for improved comfort.
- Boilers are fairly uncommon in Tennessee, but some old homes still have a network of pipes and radiators that can transport hot water.
You don’t have to make this important decision alone. After assessing your heating needs and inspecting your home, a qualified heating installation pro can discuss your options with you and help you weigh the pros and cons.
They will also guide you as you look into the specs for your new heating system:
- Size and heating output matter. The capacity of your new system should match your heating needs to avoid overpaying for a high-capacity appliance you don’t need or finding yourself with a system that struggles to keep your home warm.
- Energy efficiency is another important consideration. Heating system installation is an investment, but you’ll recoup the benefits over the years in lower energy bills. We recommend looking for Energy Star appliances and prioritizing features like zoning capabilities or electronically commutated motors if you’re getting a furnace.
While the ideal heating capacity varies from one home to another, there are general rules you can follow. A furnace with 40 to 45 BTUs per square foot of living space is ideal for the Murfreesboro area. Still, you might want a slightly better-performing appliance if you live closer to the Cumberland Plateau to account for elevation and colder winters.
What’s the Heater Installation Process Like?
Here’s how a professional will proceed when installing your new central heating system:
- The first step is to assess your heating needs and guide you as you select a new system.
- Next, your installer will evaluate the existing ductwork (unless you opted for a mini-split system). Re-using ductwork cuts the cost of heater installation.
- If you’re getting a mini-split or radiant heat system, your HVAC pro will plan for the installation of refrigerant lines or pipes.
- They’ll also check your home’s infrastructure and upgrade it if needed, including gas lines and electrical circuits that power the heating system.
- The next step is to remove the old heating system and install the new core unit.
- Then, your HVAC installer will connect the new unit to the ductwork or refrigerant lines before wiring it.
- They’ll finish the heater installation process by connecting the new system to your thermostat and calibrating it.
Why You Should Choose a Professional Heater System Installation Service
Installing a new heating system requires extensive work, and it’s not something you should do yourself. There are strict rules, and working with gas lines and electrical wiring can be dangerous.
Instead, find a trusted local HVAC contractor to assess your heating needs and guide you as you pick your new system. They’ll safely remove the old system before installing and connecting the new one.
You’ll get quality work, a safe installation, and the peace of mind that your new heating system is up to code. Plus, you’ll usually get a warranty on their work and personalized advice for HVAC maintenance to make your new heating system last longer and prevent costly heater repairs.
It’s precisely the kind of experience Airstream offers. We’ve been serving the Murfreesboro, TN, area since 2012 and take pride in offering outstanding customer service and expert HVAC installation services.
Book your heater installation online to get started!
FAQ
What should I look for in a furnace installation near me?
Look for a contractor who is properly licensed and insured. Checking their online reputation is also a good way to find a reputable installer.
Is a furnace or a heat pump better?
Gas or propane furnaces tend to cost less upfront, but a heat pump will lower your energy bills in the long term.
What’s the most popular heating system in Middle Tennessee?
Heat pumps are growing fast, but gas furnaces remain a popular option as well since gas and propane are relatively affordable.
When is it time to get a new heating system?
You should consider a new heater if your old one has reached the end of its lifespan, which can last as long as 20 years.
