Winter is now upon us and things are beginning to get colder.  It’s the time of the year when you begin to think of turkey, the holidays, snow and heating systems.  Heating systems?  Yes, if your system is ready for an upgrade, now is the time to get it replaced before the weather gets really cold.

Seth Swetman, Owner, America's Best HVAC

There are so many types, that it can be overwhelming to know how to choose the right one for your needs. Recently, we spoke to Seth Swetman, owner of  highly-rated local Seattle area business America’s Best Heating & Air Conditioning about what factors you should consider when looking to put in a heating system this holiday season. Here are the 3 tips he gave us…

1. Energy Efficiency – The most important thing now is energy efficiency. We are getting a lot of interest in duel fuel heating systems now, which is a gas furnace with a heat pump. This is the most efficient heating system you can buy. The savings compared to just a gas furnace or electric heat is 1,000.00- 1,500.0 a year. People are installing this system then seeing a payback in less than 5 years. That is at today’s costs. The energy costs can go up 5% a year on average. You get the best system and cooling in the summer time. It’s the best of both worlds.  More on home energy efficiency.
2. Free Money – Most people aren’t aware of the free money available when you upgrade.  Puget Sound Energy is offering a rebate of $350 with purchase of a high efficiency gas furnace and $350 on the installation of a heat pump.  This program is renewed on a year to year basis.  This is a great plus you enjoy saving money every month with your new high efficiency equipment.
3. Air Quality – We’re seeing a lot of interest in products that improve inside air quality.  Many people are suffering from allergies, pet dander and just plain old dust in their homes.   One of the best products out there is a Honeywell electronic air cleaner which is 99.9% efficient at removing dust and pet dander down to 0.5 microns.  My wife, Laurie, has allergies and has seen a dramatic improvement in her allergy reactions after we installed this system.

I hope this information is helpful to anyone out there looking to put heating in this winter. If you have other tips from your own experience, please leave a comment.

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