Heating

Over 25 years of experience

A Guide to Heating Systems Keeping your Home and Office Warm and Toasty

Staying warm and cozy during the winter is essential, but with so many heating options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide explores five popular heating systems, highlighting their pros and cons to help you find the perfect fit for your home.

Gas Floor Furnaces are compact units are a familiar site in older homes. They burn natural gas to generate heat that warms the surrounding area. They are built to last with some models lasting decades and they generate minimal noise compared to forced air systems. Although, they primarily heat the area they are installed in, can lead to higher fuel costs and require proper ventilation and regular maintenance to prevent carbon monoxide risks.

Wall Furnances similar to gas floor furnancesare space-saving units mounted on the wall. They offer more flexibility in placement, allowing you to target specific areas needing heat. Wall furnaces are ideal for zone heating, providing warmth where needed and an be powered by natural gas or electricity, but like floor furnaces, they may leave other areas in the home or office unheated, and some models, particularly older ones, can be noisy during operation.

Central Heating systems utilize a furnace or boiler to warm air, which is then distributed throughout the house via ductwork. It provides consistent warmth throughout your entire living space, modern high-efficiency furnaces offer significant energy savings compared to older systems, and evenly distributes heat, eliminating hot and cold spots. Installation and maintenance of a central heating system can be expensive, especially in homes without existing ductwork. The ducts require regular cleaning and upkeep to maintain optimal efficiency, and can be noisy. Furnaces and air handlers can generate noise, particularly in older models.

Radiant Heating systems warm objects directly, rather than the air. Heated coils, pipes or panels embedded in floors, walls, or ceilings radiate heat, creating a comfortable and even warmth. Radiant heating systems provide gentle, even warmth throughout the room, eliminating drafts and hot spots. They are quient without noisy fans or blowers, making it ideal for bedrooms and quiet areas. Modern radiant systems can be highly efficient, especially when paired with renewable energy sources. Unfortunately, installation can be more expensive than other options, particularly for retrofitting existing homes. They take longer to heat a room compared to forced-air systems and it can be difficult to maintain and repair a radiant heat system over time.

Mini-split Heat and Air systems also known as ductless heat and air systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units mounted on walls or ceilings. They offer both heating and cooling capabilities, making them ideal for year-round comfort. Mini-split Hheat and air systems provide targeted temperature control in specific rooms and areas, are highly efficient, leading to lower energy bills, do not require duct work, making them suitable for renovations or homes without existing HVAC systems. They can be more expensive than traditional central systems, especially for multi-unit installations, may not be powerful enough to cool large spaces effectively in very hot climates, and indoor units can be visually obtrusive for some homeowners.

Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Home's Climate

Every household has its own story, and your heating and cooling system should be part of it. At Mapes & Sons Plumbing - Heat - Air, we believe everyone deserves personalized comfort solutions that fit their unique needs. One-size-fits-all doesn't fit anyone. We offer tailored advice, taking into account your budget, the layout of your home or office, and your specific comfort preferences. Whether you're building a brand-new home or looking to upgrade an existing system, we'll help you navigate the options. Let's get down to business! Schedule a free property visit. We'll walk through your home or office, analyze your needs, and present a variety of heating and cooling solutions, from cutting-edge high-efficiency options to reliable classics. Don't hesitate to ask – our expert advice and clear estimates are always free of charge.

Preserving Comfort with Heritage Systems

We understand the value of vintage heating systems. Our skilled technicians are experts in restoring these cherished units, offering comprehensive repair and rebuild services for gas floor furnaces and radiant heat. Let us breathe new life into your legacy systems, ensuring they continue to keep your home cozy for years to come.


Get A Free Estimate

Finding the perfect heating and cooling system for your home shouldn't be a complicated puzzle. Let Mapes & Sons Plumbing - Heat - Air help you piece together the perfect solution for every season. Contact us today, and let's make your home a climate of comfort!