Understanding Heating and Furnace Costs
As a homeowner in Connecticut, you know that maintaining your home’s comfort and efficiency is crucial—especially as the seasons change.
When the weather begins to cool and winter is on the horizon it’s important to ensure your home heating system is working properly. With that in mind we.ve put together this comprehensive guide so you know what to expect in terms of general costs to maintain, repair or replace your heating system.
There are several factors that go into your potential costs such as the type of system, the size of your home, brand quality and installation complexity. With that in mind let’s dive into costs for various HVAC heating services in our beautiful, but often chilly, state.
Understanding your Home Heating System
Make sure you know what type of heating system your home has as this is one of the biggest factors in determining the cost and types of services you may need.
Boiler
A boiler is a heating system that generates heat by using water. There are two types of boilers- a Hot Water System and a Steam System. A Hot Water System pushes hot water through pipes to heat baseboards or radiators before returning to the boiler to start the cycle all over. A Steam System turns water into steam that then travels through pipes to radiators.
Furnace
A furnace is a heating system that generates heat by warming air. A blower then distributes the warm air throughout a home via a series of ducts and vents.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use electricity and fans to move air around your house and between the air outside. They are very energy efficient, however they are not suited for long periods of cold weather. In Connecticut heat pumps are often used in addition to other systems such as furnace heat. When temperatures are mild or only small temperature changes are needed Heat Pumps give you the comfort you need for less cost than a furnace or boiler.
Ductless Heat
A ductless HVAC system, or mini-split, is a type of heating system that uses individual, wall-mounted blowers to provide temperature control in one room or area. They are similar to heat pumps but instead of using ductwork, the individual units use inverters to continuously adjust the temperature.
Common HVAC Heating Services and General Costs
- New Furnace Installation
If you’re considering a new furnace, the exact cost will depend on the size of your home as well as the brand and efficiency rating of the unit. Furnace brand is one of the biggest factors when determining price. Systems with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating may cost more upfront but can save you on energy bills over time. For more about SEER Ratings, check out our article here.
- New Boiler Installation
For those with heat generated by hot water, the average amount you can expect to pay is typically more than the cost of furnace and hot air systems and depends on the boiler type. Electric boilers tend to be the least expensive followed by propane and natural gas and oil fueled boilers are generally the most expensive.
- Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your HVAC system. A typical maintenance service for your furnace or air conditioning unit may seem like a costly investment, but can save thousands in the long run. Maintenance typically includes cleaning, filter replacement, inspection, and minor adjustments.
- Moving or Replacing Ductwork
Sometimes even small home renovations can mean moving or replacing ducts. Depending on the amount of ductwork affected the costs can range widely. Before starting a home renovation project consult your HVAC technician to determine the most efficient way to route your ductwork.
- Thermostat replacement
Smart thermostats are all the rage and with good reason. They can learn your habits, automatically adjusting the heat when you’re not home or asleep. This reduces energy usage and saves money. A typical smart thermostat can cost a couple hundred dollars, but will pay for itself over time.
- Emergency Heating Repairs
If your HVAC system breaks down unexpectedly, emergency repair costs can run the gamut from a simple fix to a more complex problem that can cost significantly more, especially if parts need to be replaced. This is where routine maintenance can help save you the cost of unexpected breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
In Connecticut, heating can be a significant investment, but understanding the average costs empowers you to plan effectively. Additionally Connecticut’s Energize CT initiative offers discounts and rebates to homeowners that install Energy Efficient systems.
Investing in regular maintenance can also save you money in the long run, preventing minor issues from escalating into major repairs. Consider an HVAC company with comprehensive plans that include yearly maintenance.
If you have further questions or need recommendations for trusted local services, call TMS at 860-314-1518. Or email us via our Contact Page. After all, staying informed is the first step to ensuring your home remains a comfortable haven year-round!
