Any Hanover, Maryland home without heat is hardly a home at all. If you’ve recently purchased a property that lacks a functional heating system, or if your existing heating system has just gone down, paying to have new equipment installed is your first priority. However, you may be worried about the cost. Following are several things to know as you prepare your budget.
The Cost of Heating Installation Can Vary Significantly
In general, homeowners should be prepared to pay several thousand dollars to have new heating equipment put in. However, the actual cost of these projects can vary greatly from home to home based on several factors such as:
- The removal of existing equipment
- The preferred heating system type
- The addition of smart technologies and integrated accessories
- System efficiency ratings
Building layouts, building sizes, and the structural integrity of existing air distributions systems matter as well. Thus, the only way to get an accurate estimate of how much your project will cost is by requesting a quote.
The Removal of Old Equipment and the Refinement of Storage Areas
If your home already has a furnace or boiler, you might think that this project is as simple as pulling the old unit out and putting a new one in. However, home heating needs have changed significantly over time. Home heating equipment has evolved as well. If you have an older property with an older furnace that’s housed in a relatively small-sized storage area, it may be necessary to make several structural modifications to accommodate a significantly larger heater. When assessing your home and calculating your needs for heating power, we’ll take note of how accessible your old heating equipment is, and of how much we’ll have to streamline the current furnace storage area to suit.
Your Home’s Air Distribution System
HVAC ductwork is a critical consideration when installing new central heating equipment. Older ductwork may not have the capacity to support the design and demands of a new heater. Moreover, if you haven’t replaced your home’s HVAC ductwork in a while, ragged, torn ducting will quickly render a brand-new heater inoperable.
In a best-case scenario, your new heater will work seamlessly with the well-maintained ductwork you already have. However, it is often necessary for homeowners to pay for ductwork modifications, repairs, or replacement, in addition to the costs of having new heaters installed.
Multi-Functional Heating Solutions
Having your old heater replaced is an opportunity to consider options in new and highly efficient heating equipment. Some people choose to upgrade their properties with radiant floor heating, others opt to have heat pumps installed instead. Heat pumps provide more energy than they use via their highly efficient heat transfer process. By some estimates, many of these units can transfer 300% more the energy than they consume. Comparatively, even high-efficiency boilers and furnaces are only capable of converting 98% of the energy they use into heat.
There’s also the fact that heat pumps are capable of both providing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer. They eliminate the need to have a separate air conditioner installed. Moreover, given that heat pumps have a single, outdoor condenser, they free up considerable amounts of space indoors. When cutting project costs isn’t your primary concern, you’ll have a lot of options in innovative heating to explore.
Economy vs. Efficiency
System efficiency ratings and cost go hand in hand. A high-efficiency boiler or furnace will cost less to use from year to year, but it will also cost more upfront and more to install. High-efficiency heaters additionally tend to be a bit larger than medium-efficiency heaters. If you have spatial concerns, paying less for a medium-efficiency heater can also mean paying less for building modifications during the install process.
Advanced HVAC Technologies
Home heating systems have come a very long way in recent years. Not only are they more efficient, but they’re also far more technologically advanced. This has made things a lot easier for consumers by introducing features that allow for remote system monitoring, energy use tracking, and smart home integration. Even smart and programmable thermostats are no longer exclusive to high to mid-range and luxury homes. If you’re looking to add value and marketability to your property, and if you want to keep your home on par with current market standards, it’s important to consider some of the latest options in efficiency and convenience-related HVAC technologies.
Having a new heater installed, especially if you’ll be having your HVAC ductwork replaced or modified at the same time, is also a great time to have integrated HVAC accessories put in. If you have major indoor air quality concerns due to building residents with chronic respiratory ailments, you might want to add:
- An air purifier
- An air scrubber
- A media filter
- A whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier
In some households, integrated humidification/dehumidification equipment is absolutely necessary for resident comfort, resident health, and the preservation of building materials. If you’re able, it’s a good idea to build your heater installation budget with room for integrated accessories that may prove essential.
Requesting a Quote
Requesting a quote for your heating system is about far more than calling in and asking for a general cost estimate. In-person assessment of your property is vital for ensuring correct heater sizing. This is how HVAC companies avoid installing heaters that are too large or too small for the intended service area. These visits are a great opportunity to talk about your goals and about any cost-related concerns that you might have.
Preparing for This Expense
The best way to stave off the need for heater replacement is by taking good care of the heating you equipment you currently own. Your furnace, boiler, or heat pump should be professionally serviced at least once each year. Your HVAC ductwork should be professionally inspected and cleaned at least once every three to five years. When ductwork rips or tears are identified or when your heating equipment stops performing reliably, having timely repairs performed can extend the lifespan of your heater as well. When repairing damaged equipment is a feasible, short-term solution, it may be possible to put an untimely heater replacement off. However, old and failing heating equipment often proves more troublesome to retain than it is to replace.
If your heating system has already failed and you aren’t quite ready to replace it, exploring your options in financing is far preferable to relying on inefficient space heaters. When you work with us, we can help you find a feasible, affordable plan for restoring heat to your Maryland home. We offer multiple heating system types, and we have high-performing options at different price points. We also have a Family Plan that’s designed to help our clients cut their HVAC-related spending, and affordably access the services and equipment they need.
At Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer an expansive range of home comfort services and solutions. Residents of Hanover, MD and the surrounding area can turn to us for furnaces, heat pumps, air purifiers, and more. We also provide cooling, indoor air quality, and duct cleaning service. If you need help finding the right heating system for your home, give us a call today.
