Furnaces are a popular method of heating that utilizes oil or gas to generate heat. The flames that are produced heat a metal heat exchanger, which in turn heats the air that passes over it. Newer furnaces can be extremely efficient, burning as much as 95% of the fuel that is brought into the system. Air is pulled and pushed through the building through an expanse of ductwork, which allows furnaces to easily be used in conjunction with a heat pump or air conditioner.

Boiler heating systems use a fuel source (typically oil or gas) to heat water. This water is then pumped throughout a building into baseboards (water) or radiators (steam). They can also act as back up heat for a heat pump by way of a coil placed within the ductwork. Boilers have excellent zone heating capabilities, but also run the risk of leaking over time or bursting if not used when temperatures drop below freezing.

Heat pumps are a great solution for a temperate climate. They provide heat in the winter and cool air in the summer by way of a reversing valve. On particularly cold days in the winter, a backup heater coil allows for an additional boost of warm air that the heat pump by itself otherwise would not be capable of. They run on electricity and have no other need for an alternate fuel source like gas or oil.

Geothermal heating systems function in the same manner as a traditional heat pump but use a ground source to add or remove heat to the refrigerant. After a Geothermal installation, these systems are more energy-efficient than traditional heat pumps, however, one should consider a full life cycle analysis to understand the complete environmental (and, consequently, economic) impact of the system.

Mini-split heat pumps have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and for good reason. They’re quick and easy to install, they allow you to regulate the temperature of individual rooms, and they are extremely energy efficient. These ductless systems are particularly effective for homes that don’t have space for an entire system or where it might be considered overkill. These mini-splits systems function the same way a traditional heat pump does, but the air is directed immediately into the room the system is mounted rather than through a length of duct and registers. Nauman Companies is an authorized Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor.  Learn more about Mitsubishi Zoned Comfort Solutions.

Central air conditioning systems and heat pumps use the same process except air conditioners function without a reversing valve. So – where a heat pump can cool in the summer and heat in the winter (refrigerant flows in two directions), a central air conditioning system can only cool in the summer because the refrigerant flows in only one direction. Central air conditioners keep your house cool in the summer and help to remove humidity from the air, leaving you with a cool and comfortable home. For those chilly winter months, central air conditioning systems can be used in conjunction with other heating systems, so you aren’t left in the cold!