How to Choose Heating and Air Conditioning System

Different Kinds of Heating Systems

Let’s start with the heat. In Oklahoma, we don’t usually get long, harsh winters like the northern states with cold climates, but we still experience cold weather. When those icy winds start, you’ll want your home’s heating to be reliable enough to keep you warm and cozy.

These are some of the most common types of heating systems you’ll run into:

1. Gas Furnaces

If your home already has a gas line, installing or replacing a gas furnace is quite straightforward. These furnaces heat air quickly and distribute it through your home using a vent and duct system. They’re affordable to run, they heat fast, and they’ve been a top choice for decades. A properly installed energy-efficient model can hit over 95% efficiency, meaning you’re not wasting much fuel at all.

They also pair well with a standard central AC system, which makes them a solid choice for homes with existing ductwork.

2. Electric Furnaces

Not every home has access to natural gas, especially in more rural or newer developments. In such cases, homeowners can use electric furnaces. These are cheaper to install than gas units, but they can cost more to operate over time because your energy bills will increase.

Still, if you’ve got solar panels or are planning to go electric for the long haul, this can be a great option. Just keep an eye on your utility bills in the colder months.

3. Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps can do double duty: they handle both heating and cooling. This is all done with the same equipment.

In heating mode, a heat pump transfers heat from outside and into the building. Even in chilly temperatures, there’s still heat out there to be captured. You get an efficient system that works well for Oklahoma’s relatively mild winters and long summers.

If you live somewhere that doesn’t get regular deep freezes, a heat pump can be all you need. We recommend choosing one with a high heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) rating.

4. Geothermal Heat Pumps

For optimal efficiency and energy savings, geothermal HVAC systems are worth considering. They pull heat from underground instead of the air, so they’re consistent year-round. The only potential downside is that they’re expensive to install. You’ll need underground loops and a little more yard space. But once it’s in, it’s efficient and long-lasting.

5. Boilers and Radiant Heat

Boilers aren’t common in Oklahoma, but you can usually find them in older homes or custom builds. Boilers heat water and send it through radiators or underfloor systems. The heat is steady and even, but the systems themselves can be bulky and expensive to install or repair.

Radiant heating (especially in-floor systems) is super comfortable on bare feet, and it’s energy efficient. However, it’s usually something that’s best installed during new construction or major remodels.

Different Kinds of Cooling Systems

Once the heat kicks in, your home’s cooling system should be up for the task. So let’s go through your options:

1. Central Air Conditioning Systems

If you already have a furnace and ductwork installed, installing air conditioners is probably the easiest choice. Composed of two units (the evaporative and condensing unit), the central AC unit uses the same ductwork as your heater to move cooled air throughout the house.

Newer systems provide cooling efficiently, especially if you go with something that has a high seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). Look for a SEER of at least 16 if you want that good balance of optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Also, consider upgrading to a two-stage or variable-speed compressor. These models adjust based on how hot it is, so they run more efficiently and distribute cooled air consistently rather than by blasting cold air in spurts.

2. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Got an older home with no ductwork installed? Or maybe you’ve added a sunroom, garage apartment, or finished attic? Ductless systems are the answer.

These systems include an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air handlers mounted on the wall. They’re easy to install, operate with low energy consumption, and let you control the temperature room by room. That’s perfect if you have parts of your house that get too hot or cold compared to the rest. Additionally, they can double as heaters in the winter, depending on the model.

3. Evaporative Coolers

You might hear about swamp coolers or evaporative coolers, especially if you’re reading national HVAC blogs. But they don’t make much sense in Oklahoma.

They’re better suited for dry desert climates, like New Mexico or Arizona. Our humidity levels here make these less effective, and you’re better off with central AC with good cooling capacity or a heat pump if you’re looking for efficiency and comfort.

Packaged Systems (A Two-in-One Option)

If you’re tight on space or just want everything in one box, a packaged HVAC system could work well for you. These units house both heating and cooling components in a single cabinet, usually installed outside on the roof or on a concrete pad next to the home.

Many HVAC manufacturers offer packaged systems, and these are often used in mobile homes, smaller houses, or places where there’s just no room inside for interior units or a full-size furnace and air handler.

You can get them in several variations:

• Packaged air conditioners (with optional electric heat strips)
• Packaged gas/electric units (AC and gas furnace in one)
• Packaged heat pumps (heating and cooling through refrigerant)

These modern HVAC systems are easy to maintain, though they don’t always have the same energy efficiency ratings as other HVAC technologies.

How to Find the Best HVAC System for Your Home

The right HVAC system depends on many things. Everyone’s situation is a little different, but there are a few key things to think about that’ll help you make the best call.

1. The Size of Your Home

You need the same size system as your old unit (if you have one), or a size that’s appropriate for your indoor space. This is the best way to make sure you’re going to get an energy-efficient system. If your system is too small, it won’t be able to keep up. If it’s too big, it’ll short cycle (turn on and off too often), which wears out the system, wastes energy, and increases your carbon footprint.

The best way to figure this out is with a Manual J load calculation, which a qualified contractor can do for you.

2. How Well Your Home Holds Heat and Cool Air

If your insulation is thin or you’ve got drafty windows, even the best HVAC system is going to struggle. Before spending big bucks on a new unit, it’s worth checking your attic insulation, sealing up any air leaks, and making sure your ductwork is in good shape and has been regularly receiving proper maintenance.

3. Energy Efficiency Goals

Want to save on monthly bills? Pay attention to the SEER rating for cooling and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating for furnaces. The higher the number, the better it will perform. You also can’t go wrong with Energy-Star-certified HVAC systems, which pass the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.

4. Your Budget (Now vs. Later)

It’s tempting to go for the cheapest system upfront, but sometimes paying a little more for a better system saves you money in the long run. More efficient systems give you bigger cost savings, and they usually last longer. Plus, some might qualify for local or federal rebates, which are always worth looking into.

5. Climate Considerations

Your HVAC system’s abilities need to match the climate in your area. Dual-fuel systems (which pair a gas furnace with a heat pump) are becoming more popular in the Oklahoma City area because they give you efficiency and power in a single package.

Heritage Services Can Help You Find and Install the Perfect HVAC System

Heritage Services has been delivering HVAC servicessince 1967, including professional installation, repairs, and maintenance. If you’re looking for an HVAC company to assist you through the process of finding and installing the right HVAC system, we’re a crew you can count on.

Get in Touch With Our Team Today

Need to replace an inefficient HVAC system? Or perhaps you’re thinking about improving indoor air quality in your home with a new HVAC system. Whatever your needs, our team of professional HVAC technicians is here to help.

Visit our website or check out our specials for high-quality services and great cost savings!