Heating Installation in Charlottesville, VA

No matter how well you take care of your heating unit, the time will come when it’s time for a replacement. Even though this can be stressful for homeowners, our team here at The Otter Guys is ready to make the process as easy as possible! Here are some of the things you need to know about heating installation services!

When Should I Get A New Heater?

Knowing the right time to get a new heating system can actually help save you money in the long run. While it may not make sense at first considering the cost of a new unit, older units are often prone to more wear-and-tear than new units, leading to more expensive repairs. Here are some of the signs you should get a new heater:

• Your unit is older than 10 years – Most experts recommend seeking out a replacement every 10-15 years. If you use your unit frequently, you may need a replacement sooner than that.
• Constant repairs – If you find yourself constantly calling the repairman for repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. While there’s some initial sticker shock when it comes to installing a new unit, constantly paying for repairs will have a bigger impact on your checking account.
• High energy bills – If you have noticed a recent spike in your utility bill, it may be caused by your heater. Newer heating units are far more energy-efficient than older units, helping you save money on your energy bill.

If you have any questions about whether or not a new heating system is right for your specific needs, give our team a call and we can help. 

The Different Types of Heating Systems

Understanding the different types of heating systems can help you better understand which unit best fits your home. Of course, our team at The Otter Guys can help you make as informed of a decision as possible. Here are some common units found throughout homes in the Charlottesville, VA, area:

Furnace

A furnace is a forced air distribution system. This is far and away the most common type of heater throughout the United States. With a furnace, the air is pushed through a series of ducts. This helps distribute heated, conditioned air throughout the home. Even though these units can heat the air with electricity, propane, or oil, most units in the area are powered by natural gas. 

These gas furnaces are the most common type of heating system. That’s because the forced air distribution system (ductwork) can also be used by an air conditioner during the summer months. This versatility makes furnaces a perfect unit for most homes. 

Boilers

While boilers aren’t as common as furnaces, they’re still an incredibly common heating system. These systems send hot water or steam through pipes to heat the home. Boilers enable you to practice zoned heating and cooling. However, they are much more expensive than furnaces to install and properly maintain. 

If you are looking for zoned heating options, a boiler is well worth the price. The reason boilers are often referred to as central heating systems is that the heat is generated in a central area of the home and then distributed throughout the house. 

Heat Pump

Heat pumps are unique in that they can be used to both heat and cool the home. These systems use refrigerant and electricity to transfer heat rather than generating it directly like a gas furnace. Because of this, heating pumps are often more efficient than other types of heating systems. 

It’s important to note, however, since these units rely on refrigerant, it’s best that they’re installed in moderate climates. If temperatures are regularly below freezing, you may run into an issue with the refrigerant freezing. As you can imagine, this can lead to some pretty big problems, essentially rendering the system useless. 

Hybrid Heating

Hybrid heating systems have grown in popularity in recent years. These hybrid systems combine the energy efficiency of a heat pump with the power of a gas furnace. For the majority of the year, the heat pump will be responsible for heating and cooling your home. The furnace only kicks in during the most extreme temperatures, when your home is in desperate need of heat. 

Since you aren’t relying on just one system, the wear-and-tear for both units is dramatically decreased. The downside to hybrid heating is that it is more expensive to install than other units. However, the money you will be saving on repairs, replacements, and energy costs may be worth it in the long run.

Ductless Mini-Splits

Ductless mini-splits are a popular choice among homeowners who want to control the temperature of each room. This is often found in bigger houses or in houses where one occupant likes the temperature to be much different than another occupant. By getting rid of the need for a large series of air ducts, ductless mini-split systems give you this control. 

These systems allow you to create separate HVAC zones, each zone with its own separate thermostat. As you can probably imagine, these systems are more pricey than other systems, but they provide more control than other systems. 

Radiant Heating

Radiant heaters are far less common than the heating systems listed above. These systems send hot water or electric heat through special tubes located in the floor, ceiling, or walls. The heat can be generated by oil, gas, propane, or electricity. 

The main benefit of radiant heating is that these systems can last far longer than other systems. However, since special tubes are required and since these tubes are located in the floor, ceiling, or walls, installation and repairs can be very costly. The lifespan of these systems is dependent on their heat source system. 

Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters are typically used for supplemental heating or as a heating add-on. They can be an effective and affordable option. The two types of baseboard heating systems are electric and hydronic. Speak with one of our professionals to learn more about these systems and how they can help heat your home.

If you have any questions about which heating system is best for your home, give our team at The Otter Guys a call and we will help you better understand how these systems can heat your home.

Why Choose The Otter Guys?

When you’re in need of a new heater, you need to seek the help of an HVAC company that you can trust! Our team here at The Otter Guys has built a reputation in the Charlottesville, VA, area for being “otterly” reliable when it comes to homeowners’ heating needs. We want to provide both the best HVAC service you’ve ever had and the best customer service possible. 

Our goal is to make you a lifelong customer the moment you first call us. We will try to have a professional at your home as quickly as possible to assess your heating needs. From there, we will work with you every step of the way to ensure every single one of your needs is met. Our trained and experienced technicians will provide top-notch installation services so you won’t have to worry about repairs due to faulty installation which, unfortunately, are very common in the area. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Part of providing the best customer service possible is being there for our customers whenever they have a question. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get when it comes to installing a new heater:

Will I Get a Renewable Tax Credit?

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, it is possible to get a renewable tax credit on certain energy-efficient systems. This credit is possible if you install residential, small wind turbines, a geothermal heat pump, solar energy systems, fuel cells, and biomass fuel stoves. You can learn more about the bill and how it can help save you money on your taxes here. 

Are Maintenance Services the Best Way to Extend the Lifespan of a New Unit?

As a homeowner, you need to be looking for ways to save money. Extending the lifespan of your heating unit so you don’t have to worry about expensive replacements should be at the top of your priority list. The best way to do this is with regular maintenance services. These services will help ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed before they snowball into worse issues. 

Maintenance services will also help prepare your heater for the winter months, ensuring your home has heat when it needs it most. We recommend these services at least once per year, twice if you use your heater frequently. Give us a call and we can schedule a maintenance check on your unit! 

Can I Install My Heater Myself?

While it may be tempting to want to save money on the labor costs involved, we highly recommend against installing a unit yourself. Not only are these machines incredibly complex, but they can also be dangerous to those without proper training. With so many electrical components, you run the risk of harming yourself or others. On top of that, shoddy installation is one of the biggest causes of expensive repairs. Save yourself some time and hassle, give an expert a call. 

Call Today! 

If you’re in need of heating installation services in the Charlottesville, VA, area, give our team at The Otter Guys a call today! We offer a wide range of HVAC services including repairs, replacements, new installations, and maintenance. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you!