In Irvine, furnace systems see use in a wide variety of homes. They’re simple and easy to operate, they don’t cost much in monthly bills, and when trouble arises, repair professionals can usually fix them without a great deal of difficulty. Considering our warm Southern California climate, however, you may want to consider an alternate option for your heating needs. “is a furnace the best heating option for my home?” the answer depends on your unique circumstances.
The central issue is usually one of up-front costs vs. long-term savings. For instance, a heat pump – which combines the functions of an air conditioner and a heater into a single unit – often uses less energy than a gas furnace, though it costs a little more to install. Similarly, a hydronic floor system – which runs tubes filled with hot water beneath the floorboards of your house – delivers warm temperatures without the drafts or cold spots that appear in “forced air” gas furnaces. Both save you considerably in monthly heating costs, as well as improving the resale value of your home.
On the other hand, those savings come at the price of a big up-front cost, and you need to weigh your current finances against the future savings you will enjoy with a different system. They can also involve extensive installation operations, particularly with hydronic systems, which need to be inserted into your floors in order to function efficiently. Heat pumps usually involve a connected indoor and outdoor unit, which can damage the aesthetics of your home.
Despite that, the savings offered by alternate forms of heating are hard to ignore, especially in Irvine where mild temperatures make heat pumps a very good fit. Regardless of whether a furnace is the best heating option for your home or you’d like to explore a different option, it pays to consult with an expert. Saddleback Plumbing has the skills and experience to install a new heater in your home, or just keep your existing one in fine shape if it’s serving you efficiently. Give us a call to schedule heating service in Irvine today.