Category: Furnaces

Heating System 101: Comparing Ductless Systems, Heat Pumps, Furnaces, and Boilers

Posted on by Reidy Heating & Cooling

Mother and daughter enjoying winter nature in the windowWhen it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable, choosing the right heating system is essential. At Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc., we understand that every home has unique needs. That’s why we offer a variety of heating systems to ensure you find the perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll compare and contrast four popular heating options: ductless systems, heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers.

Ductless Systems

Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, are ideal for homes without existing ductwork. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, providing zoned heating. This means you can heat specific areas of your home, leading to energy savings and personalized comfort.

Pros:

  • Energy efficient
  • Easy installation
  • Zoned heating for customized comfort

Cons:

  • Initial installation cost can be higher
  • May not be suitable for large homes

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are versatile systems that can provide both heating and cooling. They work by transferring heat from the outside air into your home during winter and reversing the process in summer. There are two main types: air-source and ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps.

Pros:

  • Highly energy efficient
  • Dual functionality (heating and cooling)
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons:

  • Performance can drop in extremely cold temperatures, although improvements in technology have made this less of a concern with modern heat pump systems
  • Higher initial installation cost for geothermal systems

Furnaces

Furnaces are one of the most common heating systems in the US. They work by blowing heated air through ducts to distribute warmth throughout your home. Furnaces can run on various fuels, including natural gas, oil, and electricity.

Pros:

  • Reliable and effective heating
  • Wide availability and service options
  • Can be combined with central air conditioning

Cons:

  • Requires ductwork
  • Fuel costs can vary

Boilers

Boilers heat your home by distributing hot water or steam through radiators or radiant floor systems. They can be powered by natural gas, oil, or electricity. Boilers provide even and comfortable heat, making them a popular choice for older homes.

Pros:

  • Even and consistent heating
  • Can also provide hot water
  • Quiet operation

Cons:

  • Installation can be more complex
  • May require more maintenance

Reidy can help you get the heating system that’s right for your home.

Choosing the right heating system for your home can be daunting, but Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. is here to help. Whether you’re interested in the zoned comfort of ductless systems, the versatility of heat pumps, the reliability of furnaces, or the consistent warmth of boilers, we have the expertise to guide you. We’ll work with you to assess your home’s needs and recommend the best heating system — along with expert installation — to keep you warm and cozy all winter long.

Ready to find the perfect heating solution for your home? Contact Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. today!

Updating Your Home Heating Equipment? Learn About the Types of Heating Systems.

Posted on by Reidy Heating & Cooling

mother and child snuggle under blanket on couch while readingWith the return of chilly weather, many homeowners are thinking about ways they can improve their home comfort. If they have old, outdated heating equipment in their home, they may be considering replacing it with newer equipment. There are many reasons why replacing older equipment might be a good idea.

When heating equipment ages, it loses some of its ability to adequately keep your home warm. It may use more energy than it should. Often, people add to their homes without updating their heating equipment, and that can make equipment work harder than it should and wear out more quickly. And, the older your heating equipment gets, the more likely it is to need larger, more expensive repairs. If you’ve noticed any of these concerns with your current heating system, keep reading to learn about the different types of heating available for your home.

5 Types of Residential Heating Systems

Below, learn more about the five types of heating systems offered by Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. – how they work to heat your home, and how they can improve your energy consumption and home comfort.

  1. Furnaces: Many homeowners use furnaces to keep their homes warm when the temperatures dip down. Most furnaces use gas or oil for home heating. Furnaces usually require a system of ductwork to deliver heated air throughout the home, commonly known as forced-air heating. Today’s furnaces are much more efficient than their predecessors, with some achieving efficiencies as high as 98.5%.
  2. Boilers: Boilers generally use oil or gas, and operate by sending heated water or steam through pipes throughout the home. The hot water or steam is distributed throughout the home via baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems. Boilers tend to last a long time, but that can mean an older boiler in your home may be using more energy than a modern, high-efficiency boiler system.
  3. Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are ultra-efficient, and in recent years have been engineered to function even in colder climates. Heat pumps use the heat from the air or ground to heat your home, and they do not need fossil fuel in order to operate. Instead, they’re able to extract heat and pump it into your home. As an added benefit, many models are able to reverse the process in the summer, effectively cooling your home as well.
  4. Ductless Heating: Ductless heating is a perfect choice for homes without ductwork, or for additions or converted spaces that don’t have access to the home’s central duct system. Most ductless systems use heat pump technology to heat homes, and, like centralized heat pump systems, are often able to cool the home during warmer weather. Ductless systems are installed as separate units throughout your home, and are easily controlled via remote.
  5. Baseboard Heating: Baseboard heating can be a component of a boiler system, or can operate independently from room to room using electricity to generate the heat. Electrical baseboard heat offers targeted comfort, and is usually controlled via thermostat on a room-to-room or zoned basis.

I’d like to learn more about upgrading my heating system. Can Reidy help?

At Reidy, we provide complete heating services to our customers, including new installation of quality heating equipment. We will be more than happy to talk to you about your current heating system, and help you find an upgrade that meets your lifestyle needs as well as your budget. Call us today at (413) 534-3749 to find out how we can help you with your home heating needs.

How Can Fall Maintenance Help Keep My Home More Comfortable?

Posted on by Reidy Heating & Cooling

home during autumn seasonNow that summer is over and the fall season has arrived, it’s time for all things autumn. The changing leaves, colorful outdoor displays, and pumpkin and apple treats will soon be arriving, along with cooler weather. Once the outdoor temperatures start to dip down, many people start to think about their home heating system – is it ready for the changing season as well?

Fortunately, making sure your heating system is ready to keep you and your family is pretty simple. Getting annual maintenance for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump system is one of the best ways you can ensure that it will start up without issue when you need it. In addition to this, there are several other reasons why fall heating maintenance is a good choice. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Reasons You Should Choose Fall Maintenance for Your Home

Of course, the main reason most people get annual maintenance is, as we mentioned above, to ensure their system will work once the cooler weather returns. There are many other benefits to choosing fall maintenance for your system as well, including:

  1. System Efficiency: Choosing annual maintenance services for your heating system can help it use less energy and operate more efficiently. Your system tends to collect dust and dirt with use, and that can cause the filter to become clogged and the inner components of your system to get dirty. As a result, your system has to work harder and use more energy. Your technician will clean your system, helping to restore efficiency.
  2. System Effectiveness: As we mentioned above, heating systems can get dirty over time. Not only does this affect the efficiency of your system, but its effectiveness as well. During routine maintenance, your system will be cleaned and tuned up, and any issues that could be causing it to operate poorly will be addressed.
  3. Longer Equipment Life: Heating equipment can last anywhere from 10-20 years. Unfortunately, systems that are not adequately maintained may not last nearly as long. Think about it this way – if you failed to get oil changes or new tires for your car, you wouldn’t expect it to last very long. The same goes for most complex mechanical equipment, including heating systems.
  4. Better Indoor Air Quality: Because heating systems tend to collect dirt and dust, a poorly maintained system can lead to inadequate indoor air quality, especially in forced-air systems. That’s because the particles that collect in your system will be circulated around your home again and again, whenever your system operates. Maintenance means a cleaner system, so the air moving through it will be cleaner as well.
  5. Warranty Maintenance: Most heating equipment manufacturers require regular maintenance in order to keep the warranty intact. Failure to get proper maintenance may result in your warranty being voided, and that can mean expensive out-of-pocket costs if your system breaks down and needs repairs or replacement.

How can Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. help me get the heating maintenance I need?

For your convenience, Reidy offers maintenance plans, which provide 24-hour service and discounted rates for members. Your heating system is an important investment. With our Home Comfort Club Maintenance Savings Plan, you won’t have to worry about coming home to a heating issue.

As a member, you’ll receive:

  • Seasonal Maintenance on Heating & AC
  • Discounts on Labor and Materials
  • Fewer System Breakdowns
  • Lower Utilities
  • No Overtime Charges
  • Guaranteed Service

To learn more about our maintenance plans, or to schedule your fall maintenance appointment, simply give us a call at (413) 534-3749, or contact us online. We’ll be more than happy to help you get the annual heating maintenance you need.