Sometimes it’s hard not to smile when our Climate Control Company technicians are asked, “What is the best heating system for our Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home?” First let us be very clear, we will not sell or install any heating system that is not capable of keeping you comfortable during a Colorado winter.
Things to Consider
There are many factors that can determine whether central heating with a gas furnace or electric heat pump is best. Or perhaps radiant heating using a heated floor or radiators in each room. Here are just a few of the factors that have to be considered:
- Size & type of home
- Upfront cost of system & installation
- Monthly utility bills
- Heating comfort
- Noise level
Most Common Choices
These days the most common choice is between central heating and radiant floor heating. Let’s look more closely at how each type of system can fulfill your particular heating needs.
- Radiant floor heating—Most people would agree this is the more luxurious choice. After all, who doesn’t like the feeling of heated floors on a cold Colorado morning?
- Radiant heating is also more comfortable with fewer hot and cold spots.
- More efficient because there is no ductwork to lose heated air.
- Quieter because no fans are needed to blow heated air throughout the house.
- Cleaner because there is less dust floating in the air.
- Forced air central heating—There are good reasons why this has been the dominant heating system in American homes since the middle of the last century.
- Most forced air heating systems use a furnace and are less expensive upfront to buy and install.
- They are reliable and generally easy to repair.
- They can heat a cold home more quickly than radiant floor heating.
- The system can also be shared with an air conditioner to provide cooling.
But Which is Best for Me?
Climate Control cannot answer that question for you, but we do feel confident in making recommendations for some specific circumstances:
- Building a new home
- New construction is a great chance to invest in radiant heating. It’s easy to install during the building process. While it is more expensive upfront the increased efficiency and luxury of a heated floor is a good investment.
- Replacing or updating a current system
- If you own a home with a furnace (or heat pump) as part of an existing central heating system, it will likely make more sense to stay with it. There are new products on the market that make it easier to retrofit a home with radiant floor heating, but it can still be a complicated project.
- You Hate Ductwork
- Let’s say, for example, you don’t want any ductwork in your basement or attic so it will be easier to turn those areas into living space in the future. Then radiant heating is the best choice for you. If you also opt for ductless mini split air conditioning you can heat and cool any home without installing messy ductwork.
Call Climate Control Company
If you are ready to make your decision, or if you need some more help deciding, pick up the phone and call us to schedule a no-obligation estimate for your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great HVAC information.
