Nanaimo residents and businesses depend on their heating systems to keep them warm, comfortable, and safe throughout the harsh winter months. If you have an older heating system, this is an excellent time to consider a replacement. A new system can keep you even cozier and save you money along the way. Let’s explore how.
Enhanced Comfort
Modern heating systems provide better comfort than their older counterparts. More precise control is one reason. Newer systems provide more accurate temperature readings. They give you fine control over your comfort settings and can maintain them without fluctuations. Modern systems deliver much faster heat, too. It’s notable when turning the system on for the first time in a season or when there are abrupt temperature changes. With a new installation, you also have the option of zone control. That’s where we organize a home into zones that you can adjust independently.
High-Efficiency Heating Options
The standard boilers and furnaces available today are more efficient than those made even a decade ago. You also have the option of condensing furnaces and boilers. These systems better avoid heat loss through exhaust systems to achieve much higher efficiency ratings. Heat pumps have become much more viable as well, and they’re more efficient, as they transfer rather than generate heat. There are geothermal heat pumps that are ideal as a standalone heating and cooling solution. You can also choose an air-source heat pump. These models have a cold-weather threshold, so we often pair them with a mid-efficiency furnace. Hybrid heating requires a more expensive installation but can save you a lot of money in the decades ahead.
Reduced Month-to-Month Heating Costs
A compelling reason to upgrade to a new heating system is to save on your monthly heating bill. How much you’ll save depends on a range of factors, such as the type of equipment and the condition of the old system. If your current system is 20 years old, you can expect savings of at least 10%. Homeowners who opt for a high-efficiency solution can save 20% or even more.
Smaller Household Carbon Footprint
Heating is a significant contributor to the carbon footprint of Canadian homes and businesses. Modern systems use a lot less fuel and electricity. This is why the government has incentivized upgrades to greener solutions. In the case of Nanaimo, the regional district has even banned the use of standard natural gas. This is a reason so many area households are retrofitting and transitioning to hybrid heating configurations.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
A new heating system may cost you more now, but it will save you money in the years ahead. Expected equipment lifespans are longer, and operating costs are lower. Modern systems require less maintenance and are less prone to repairs. After installing your new system, it’s important to put it on a regular maintenance schedule. We recommend booking your tune-ups in autumn before you need to turn on the heat.
Advanced Thermostat Control
A programmable or smart thermostat can lower your heating costs by 10% annually over a basic thermostat. If you don’t yet have one, this is a great time to upgrade. Even if you do, it’s worthwhile considering an upgrade that takes full advantage of your new system. Many modern heating systems provide data for better thermostat energy monitoring and predictive maintenance.
New Warranty Protection
A new heating system will come with a new manufacturer warranty that gives you peace of mind. If your system has a heat exchanger, you can expect 20 years of protection on that part. Most warranties provide 10 years of protection on other components. There are also extended warranty options to extend your protection and even make it more robust.
Safer Heating Systems
Modern heating systems are safer because of innovations and government regulations. Boilers, for instance, have advanced measures that make explosions rare. Fuel-burning systems have sealed combustion chambers that make carbon monoxide exposure less likely. There are also advanced exhaust systems that better ensure all toxic gases exit the home.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Modern heating systems promote better indoor air quality, while hydronic heating systems have no air quality impact at all. Modern furnaces and heat pumps support a higher high minimum efficiency reporting value, too. MERV is a rating system the industry uses to measure filter effectiveness. At MERV 13, which many modern systems support, filters trap at least 90% of household allergens. They trap fine and ultrafine particles as well. Many mini-split systems support high-efficiency particulate air filters. HEPA filters trap more than 99% of particles.
A heating installation is also an excellent time to add ancillary equipment to foster even better air quality. A whole-home humidifier will avoid dry air in winter. A heat recovery ventilator ensures your home has ample fresh air even when it’s freezing out. A whole-home air purifier can filter all the air in your home four or more times an hour while an in-duct ultraviolet lamp can neutralize over 99% of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Quieter Heating Systems
Older heating technologies are noisier, and they tend to get louder as they age. The industry has made significant advancements in heating systems, including better insulation. Blowers are quieter, and you have the option of multi-stage and variable-speed air handlers. The industry also has a better understanding of duct science. You can replace older ducts. If you choose to reuse your ducts, there are repair options to reduce noise and improve air leakage.
Improved Home Value
Another factor in the total cost of ownership is the return on investment. The real estate industry estimates a 30% ROI in your home’s value. This is notable if you’ll sell or rent your home sometime during the new system’s life. You’ll get a better price, and the home likely won’t remain on the market as long.
Energy Incentives
There are many energy incentives available to help you lower the initial cost of a new heating system. The federal government offers tax credits to homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient heating equipment. There are grants available, which are nontaxable and you don’t have to pay back. You can claim multiple rebates if available as well. There are rebate programs offered by the provincial governments. Homeowners may also claim rebates from local utility companies, manufacturers, nonprofit organizations, and other groups. Look for ENERGY STAR certification, as it’s often a requirement of the available energy incentives.
Heating System Installations in Nanaimo
Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas is an HVAC company serving homeowners throughout Nanaimo and the surrounding areas with our cooling and heating services. Our technicians install, maintain, and repair all ducted and ductless heating and cooling systems. That includes furnaces, boilers, radiant heating, heat pumps, air conditioners, and mini-split systems. Our team installs, repairs, and cleans ductwork. We also install and service whole-home air purifiers and in-duct ultraviolet lamps. In addition, our plumbers pipe and repipe water, sewer, and gas lines. They perform camera inspections, clean drains, and repair sewers. You can also count on us for kitchen and bathroom fixtures, tank and tankless water heaters, and sump pumps. Our technicians and plumbers are available 24/7 for emergencies. We also offer a Comfort Club to save you money on your HVAC and plumbing systems.
Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment for heating installation.
