Hi, I’m Kyle Metcalf, the owner of Rocketman Plumbing in Albuquerque. I’m here to talk about the different types of furnaces you’ll find in a house and which ones may work better for you than others.
Wall Furnaces and Radiant Floor Furnaces
Wall furnaces are good for small apartments. You can get a single wall furnace that is good for one room. A double wall furnace that is back-to-back can heat two different rooms.
In older homes with crawl spaces underneath, radiant floor furnaces generate heat from the floor up. If you’re a kid coming in from playing in the snow, it’s a wonderful way to thaw out!
Radiant floor furnaces are sturdy and reliable. I work on some that are 80 years old and still going strong.
Forced Air Furnace
Forced air is among the most common heating systems in a normal-sized house. You have a thermostat, turn it up, hot air kicks on and blows through the ductwork. This furnace may be in a closet or even underneath your house. They can last a long time, but they need to be serviced each year and the filters need to be replaced at that time, too.
They also need to be checked for carbon monoxide leaks.
Boiler with Radiant Heat
These are very good systems, probably about the most efficient heating source out there. However, if your house doesn’t already have one, they’re very complicated and expensive to install.
Mini-Split Systems
These small systems provide both heating and cooling, using an outside compressor. They’re best suited to a small room or apartment.
A variation is the split system that uses an outside compressor to cool the space with a forced air system inside to provide heat. There’s a coil either above or below, and it works on either an updraft or downdraft. The coil is supercooled and the air passed through it cools the house.
Either a split or mini-split are good systems, but they need regular servicing to keep working properly.
The Package Unit
This system provides both heating and cooling. The unit might either be located on your roof or on the side of your house where cooling is pumped in through the existing ductwork. This cools your home more efficiently. It might be more expensive to install, but the comfort of your family is worth it.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are a Must
No matter what kind of furnace you have, a carbon monoxide alarm is essential. If you have a rental, this is a law, but in any case, it’s a great idea for you and your family.
If you have any issues with your heating or cooling systems, we’re here to help. Get in touch at (505) 209-8932 and ask about a free estimate. Also, we offer our new customers $25 off their first service with us!