Top Considerations When Installing a New Heating System

Heating oil provides an excellent, dependable counter to our cold Cape Cod fall and winter seasons. But when the time comes to replace your old system, or to upgrade, you might quickly learn that there is a lot to be considered when installing a new heating system.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, and not sure where to start your search? You’ve come to the right place—the experienced local heating contractors at Hall Oil Gas and Electric are here to provide a baseline tutorial on how to select the ideal new heating system installation for your Cape Cod home.

Top 8 Considerations When Installing a New Heating System

The good news is that, in most cases, you actually only need to be searching within a specific range of products when installing a new heating system. This is best done with the assistance of a skilled, knowledgeable contractor. But that said, a smart consumer will always strive to understand what they need, and why. Here are some vital considerations when shopping for a new heating system:

• Type of Heating System.

What type of heating system do you have now? Boiler? Furnace? Mini-split heating system? Talk to a local HVAC contractor to learn about your options. Chances are that your choices are limited based on what is currently available in your home or in the area that you live in. However, your heating technician can guide you towards the best option for you.

• Heating system size.

The simplest method of “sizing” a boiler or oil furnace is to utilize its BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, which is basically how much heat the unit will generate with the fuel it consumes. Each square foot of your home will require between 20-30 BTU of heating power, so as a (very rough) estimate you can say that a 1,000 square foot space would require 20,000-30,000 BTU of heating. Your HVAC contractor will help you to determine this more accurately using what is called a “Manual J” load calculation, but it’s a good baseline of knowledge to have in order to ensure you don’t get over or undersold. Keep in mind that you can certainly get a furnace that is too small, but too large is equally problematic.

• System efficiency.

Oil heating systems use AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) in order to express the efficiency of the system. If a system is 80% AFUE (the lowest option currently in the industry), then it will translate roughly 80% of its fuel to heat, and the remaining 20% will be wasted. In most cases, the higher the AFUE the better, as it will translate to fuel savings long-term, meaning lower costs over your period of ownership.

• Your budget.

The modern HVAC industry has come up with nearly limitless heating options in terms of heating quality, size, efficiency ratings, and more. There is an affordable heating option for everyone. This said, it’s best to establish a realistic budget before you go shopping so that your new system can be installed in a way that keeps you comfortable both in terms of heating quality, and financially.

• Do you need separate zoning systems?

Does your house need separate heating zones? Some homes have ductwork that doesn’t work very efficiently for all areas of the house. For example, if a home has a room like a basement, that is used sparingly, it may not always need to be heated like the rest of the house. By installing a new heating system with separate zones, you will save on heating costs.

• Do You need both heating & cooling?

Do you want to have year-round comfort that includes both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer? Most heating systems can accommodate this, but they need to be setup beforehand to do so. When installing or upgrading your heating system, you may want to consider adding a cooling element so that you can be more comfortable in those balmy summer nights as well. Ask your HVAC contractor about how you can accomplish this.

• Upgrade or keep the old thermostat?

Most upgraded heating systems can use existing thermostats. However, there have been a lot of new technological advances in thermostats that you can take advantage. For example, you could install wireless or learning thermostats that improve energy efficiency and save money.

• Seek the help of a licensed HVAC contractor when installing a new heating system

This has already been stated previously in this article, but it cannot be overstated. When installing a new heating system, or upgrading, you should do so with the guidance of a licensed and insured HVAC contractor. Heating system installations are not a do-it-yourself project. This is a job for the experts, like those at Hall Oil. We’ve been handling heating equipment for over 100 years. We know how to get the job done correctly, efficiently, and above all else, safely.

Securing a Dependable Source of Heating Oil

Heating oil is widely preferred for its dependability, safety benefits, and sheer heating power. However, once you have your new system, you need a steady supply. Finding a local heating oil supplier that offers dependable, affordable delivery is paramount to the success of your new system. Features to look for in a heating oil delivery company include automatic delivery, remote monitoring, customized delivery schedules, and emergency/short-notice delivery.

Hall Oil Gas And Electric: Oil Furnace & Boiler Installations on Cape Cod

Looking for a trained, experienced heating company to help you make the right call? Hall Oil has you covered! Our family-owned and -operated company has been serving residents and businesses of Cape Cod for over a century. Since 1918, we have been providing the Cape’s most dependable products for the best in quality home comfort.

Whether it is a boiler installation or furnace upgrade, Hall Oil Gas and Electric can guide you to the best heating solution for your home. Need a different type of heating product? We install oil tanks, generators, fireplaces, ductless mini-split heat pumps, water heaters, and central air conditioning units too. Already have an oil heating system? We can deliver a steady supply of heating oil to keep you going too. Then learn about how we can maintain your heating equipment with a heating service plan.

If you have any further questions about any of our heating solutions, reach out to us online, call us at 508-398-3831, or visit us at our South Dennis office to schedule a consultation!