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When you live in Florida, having an air conditioner in your home is vital. We can deal with some pretty hot and humid weather in this state. However, during the winter months, it isn't uncommon for the temperature of some homes to plummet. In fact, Florida homes not prepared with home heating systems tend to be rather uncomfortable during the winter months.
If you are on the hunt for heating equipment that can make your home a little bit more habitable when those colder, darker nights start to roll in, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. You may even be considering just ditching the idea of having a proper heating system and opting for electric space heaters. Don't settle for these hazardous and inefficient types of heaters.
We here at Comfort Air are a Rheem Pro Partner. This means that we have access to some of the finest home heating systems in the state of Florida. Let's run you through the types of home heating you can get, which may allow you to decide which option is the best option for your home.
Most of us aren't aware of the harmful substances we share our homes with on a daily basis, like common indoor allergens that can cause respiratory problems. The EPA reports that indoor levels of airborne pollutants may be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. These include household dust, pet dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, pollen, and mold. If you're noticing a musty odor and are concerned about mold growth, it may be time to have your air ducts professionally cleaned. Preventive maintenance is key to making sure the air coming into your home through vents is clean and well-filtered.
A heat pump system can keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer too.
Heat pump systems work by pulling in heated air from the outdoor air around your home, even when it's cold outside. Essentially they extract heat from the air outside of your home. This heat is then pumped into your home, mingling with the cold air, heating everything up.
You may sometimes see this referred to as an air source heat pump. Don't worry if the outside air seems rather cold. The heat pumps are still going to be able to extract some heat from it.
There is an alternative option here. You can also purchase geothermal heat pumps. Rather than pulling heat from the air, they pull heat from underground. The principle behind these systems is the same, though. They pull heat energy and pump it around your home.
As we said, this is one of those air systems that can both heat and cool your home. During the summer months, these air systems will do the opposite job. They will extract the heat from the warm air inside your home and send it outside. Although this doesn't always negate the need to have an air conditioner system in some parts of Florida.
If you have a heat pump, then you will need a small outdoor compressor unit installed, which may not always be ideal for some people.
An electric furnace is one of the most common central heating systems in Florida. These electric heaters are great for pumping hot air around your home, and modern furnaces can be very energy-efficient products.
You will need to have air ducts in your home for these to work, which you likely already do if you have an air conditioner system.
If you have ever used a hairdryer, then an electric furnace runs on pretty much the same principle. It is a big blower fan. It pulls air into your home. This air is then run over a heated coil, and then a fan blows it around your home (through the ductwork).
Many modern systems can offer zoned heating, temperature control, and more. Some systems will even allow you to heat water (much in the same way as water boiler systems would).
Gas furnaces are less common in Florida, mostly because many homes do not have a natural gas hookup. However, if you do, then a gas furnace may be worth considering.
A gas central furnace may be slightly more expensive than an electric furnace, at least initially. However, the cost of running one tends to be slightly lower. In this age of rising electric bills, natural gas costs haven't gone up anywhere near as much. This means that it may be cheaper to heat your home using a gas furnace. Everybody wants lower utility bills, right?
The principle of a furnace running on gas is the same as an electric heater. This means that the furnace pulls in cold air, heats it up, and then pumps it around the air ducts in your home.
There are other heating systems out there. The team here at Comfort Air can run you through other options. However, the three options that we mentioned on this page are the most common options for Florida. After all, many of us are probably not going to be needing something that we can really put through its paces. We just want to be a bit more comfortable during the colder months of the year.
Here, we want to run you through a few of the things that you will need to think about when considering new heating equipment. If you are still unsure which types of heating systems are right for you, then reach out to our team. We can help. We have a wealth of experience assisting homeowners in Tampa.
For many people in Florida, the biggest consideration will be the cost of the heating system. Most of us probably aren't in a position to drop a lot of cash on something that we may only use a few times per year. However, do bear in mind that more expensive heating systems tend to last longer, and thus you will be saving money over the years.
Forced air systems will be more expensive if you do not have the ductwork in your home. However, most Tampa homes will have air handlers already for their air conditioning systems, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Remember, if you have a larger home, then the unit that you will need to heat it will be much more expensive than one needed to heat a 1-2 bedroom home.
Energy efficiency is important.
Energy efficiency is all about how well that heater utilizes energy to convert cold air into hot air. The more energy efficient a product is, the cheaper it will be to heat up your home.
The efficiency of your heating system can vary based on two factors:
Gas tends to be slightly more energy efficient than electricity. However, a cheap gas furnace would be less energy efficient than an expensive electric furnace.
You can compare energy usage between different heating systems easily. Most will tell you how energy efficient they are. You could also ask our team.
If you don't have a natural gas hookup in your home, then you can instantly rule out using a gas furnace. You won't have any power source for it.
If you do have a gas hookup, then you may find that a natural gas furnace is cheaper to run than electric radiator systems. However, they also cost a little bit more to purchase. They may also be a bit more expensive to maintain. However, if your goals are to bring your energy bills down, then gas is the way to go.
It doesn't matter what heater you purchase, it needs to be maintained. Therefore, always choose an option that you should have no issues getting maintained once or twice per year.
As a Rheem Pro Partner in Tampa, our company offers the best products from Rheem. This is a heating system manufacturer that is not only well-known for producing high-quality heating systems, but also for offering easy-to-maintain systems. Purchase something from Rheem, and you will have something that will see you through many cold years.
Every heating system will give you a rough idea of the sort of area that it can heat up for you. Pay attention to this. You want a heater that can heat up the bulk of your home. Don't opt for something too small. You will be pushing that heater to the brink, and it still won't make your home comfortable to be inside.
Likewise, you don't want to opt for something too big for your home. It is a waste of energy.
You should also bear in mind that whether you opt for a furnace or a heat pump, it is still going to take up space in your home. You need somewhere to put it. If you don't, then you may want to opt for a different heating solution.
Most of Florida tends to be pretty hot. This is why many people don't really think too hard about having a proper heating system. Even the coldest parts of Florida rarely drop below 41F.
This is often why people do get a forced air system e.g. a furnace or heat pump. They already have the ducts for their air conditioner. This makes them easy to get installed. They also aren't going to get in the way of your air conditioner. In fact, as long as you don't live in an area with an air quality that is very humid, then a heat pump could even substitute for an air conditioner.
In Florida, you don't need a system that is going to get you through incredibly cold winters. You need something that is going to make the mild cold a bit more bearable. Good temperature control options on your heating system are a must.
Here at Comfort Air, we are a Rheem Pro Partner in Tampa. Not only can we install Rheem products, but we can also assist with long-term maintenance.
If you are considering a heating system for your Tampa home, then get in touch with us today. We can help you find the right option for your property. We can provide an estimate for your heating unit, as well as installation. You will find that we are one of the most affordable companies in the state.
Together, let's ensure that your home remains comfortable during the winter months.
