With energy prices rising rapidly, picking the best heating system for your Kansas City home becomes a choice that will affect not only your quality of life and comfort during the frigid winter months but also your budget. Since Kansas City is on the Great Plains, winter temperatures can plummet to below zero regularly.
You also need to consider the occasional arctic blasts from Canada that bring temperatures down even lower. However, before you can choose the right heating system, you first need to understand the available options. Knowing the different heating systems and understanding how they work will help you make an intelligent decision based on your home type, budget, and heating requirements.
Types of Heating Systems
At Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of knowing how to choose a heating system. To understand the different Kansas City heating options, you must understand the difference between devices that move heat and those that generate heat.
Furnaces
Furnaces are the most common types of heating appliances in Kansas City. They use either natural gas or electricity, giving you the flexibility to choose a system based on the price of electricity or natural gas. The price of electricity has increased dramatically in recent years, making natural gas furnaces more affordable to own and operate. A furnace works by heating air and using a blower to distribute the heated air through your ductwork. Modern systems power on according to thermostat signals, making them highly efficient.
Boilers
Boilers work by heating fluid using electricity or natural gas before circulating the heated fluid through radiators and other elements in your home. The heated fluid flows in a complete loop, constantly retaining heat to keep your home as cozy as possible. The main downside of boilers is that any leak in the system will cause problems, necessitating an immediate repair. Boilers also come with higher upfront installation costs.
Heat Pumps
Furnaces and boilers generate heat from fuel. Heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another, making them much more efficient compared to boilers and furnaces. They are great for a moderate climate like Kansas City, but the downside is that they will be less efficient when an arctic blast arrives. If you don’t have pre-existing ductwork, a heat pump is an excellent alternative to a furnace or boiler.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits are similar to heat pumps in that they move heat from one area to another. The main benefit of ductless mini-splits is that you can also use them for cooling in Kansas City. They generally have higher upfront costs but lower operating costs.
Factors That Affect Which Heating System You Choose
Choosing energy-efficient heating for Missouri and Kansas can be hard because many factors go into determining the best heating system. While there are many similarities based on location, you still need a system that works for your specific home and budget.
Home Size
Your heating equipment must be sized for your home’s size and your requirements. A bigger home will have more significant heating requirements. It also matters whether you already have extensive ductwork to work with certain heating systems.
Insulation Quality
Better quality insulation will retain more heat, helping your heating system work less to stay at the set temperature. That’s why you need to choose a system that doesn’t struggle because it needs to counteract poor installation.
Budget
Regardless of the system you choose, you will most likely need to spend thousands of dollars to install a new heating system. Consider the current infrastructure in your home that can accommodate the type of heating system you want to install. You will also need to consider the cost of the fuel to operate the system. Finally, consider the financing options available for the system you choose if your budget cannot handle the system you need.
Efficiency Rating
Choosing a system with an ENERGY STAR score of over 75 is smart if you are looking for the most energy-efficient systems for your area. Measurements like AFUE and HSPF can also help you determine how your system will perform. AFUE measures the efficiency of systems that burn fuel, such as boilers and furnaces. HSPF measures the ratio between heat output and energy consumed.
Rebates & Tax Incentives
Check for federal and state rebates and tax incentives when choosing a heating system. These rebates can save thousands of dollars when installing a new system or replacing your current heating system.
Request Heating Installation in Kansas City
At Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on being the company of choice for HVAC and plumbing in Kansas City. We value high-quality solutions and treating people right. After operating for over four decades, we have learned a thing or two about choosing a great heating system. You can also count on us for plumbing, drain, and sewer services. Contact us to schedule an appointment.Â
