Winter weather in the Northeast can be downright frustrating. One day, you’re shoveling heaps of snow off your driveway, and the next day, you wake up and have to walk past a bunch of slush and melted ice just to get to your car across the street. And that’s just the start. There’s the bone-chilling cold that seeps into your bones during your daily commute or while dropping the kids off at school.
So when you finally make it back home for the night, all you want is to feel the warmth that evaded you all day. That’s where having the right heating system comes into play. If you want to create that comforting environment in your PA home this winter, here are some heating system options you NEED to try.
The Average Winter Weather in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania winters are no joke. You’re looking at average temperatures that dip below freezing from December through February. Snowfall varies across the state, with some areas getting hammered by lake-effect snow. The Pocono Mountains and northwestern regions can see over 100 inches of snow in a season. Even in less snowy areas, you’re still dealing with frigid temperatures and biting wind chills. This harsh weather puts your heating system to the test. You need a system that can handle long stretches of cold and sudden temperature drops.
Home Heating Options for Your PA Residence
When it comes to keeping your PA home toasty, you’ve got options. Here’s a quick rundown of the heating systems you might consider:
- Furnaces: These powerhouses use natural gas, oil, or electricity to heat air and distribute it through your home. They’re common and can be very efficient.
- Heat Pumps: These versatile systems can both heat and cool your home. Air-source heat pumps pull heat from outside air, while ground-source heat pumps (also called geothermal) tap into the earth’s constant temperature.
- Boilers: These systems heat water and circulate it through radiators or underfloor pipes, providing radiant heat.
- Radiant Floor Heating: This system heats your home from the ground up, providing consistent, comfortable warmth.
- Solar Heating: This eco-friendly option uses the sun’s energy to heat your home, often in combination with other systems.
Heat Pumps: Are They Good Enough to Combat the Worst of PA Winters?
Heat pumps have been gaining popularity, and for good reason. These systems work by moving heat rather than generating it, making them incredibly energy efficient. In milder climates, they’re a no-brainer. But can they stand up to a Pennsylvania winter? The answer is a resounding yes, especially with recent advancements in technology.
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even when temperatures drop below freezing. They use a heat exchanger to extract heat from outside air, which might seem counterintuitive when it’s freezing out. But there’s always some heat energy present, and these pumps are clever enough to find it and use it to warm your home.
For those extra cold days, many heat pumps come with auxiliary heating elements. These kick in when needed to provide that extra boost of warmth. The best part? Heat pumps can reverse their operation in summer, acting as an air conditioner.
Choosing Furnaces for Your Home
When the thermometer drops and you’re battling those brutal PA winters, a furnace can be your best friend. Furnaces have been a go-to heating solution for decades, and they’ve only gotten better with time. These systems work by heating air and then forcing it through ducts to warm your entire home.
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face when choosing a furnace is the fuel type. Natural gas furnaces are popular due to their efficiency and relatively low operating costs. However, if you’re in an area without natural gas lines, you might opt for an oil or electric furnace. Modern furnaces boast impressive energy efficiency ratings. Look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings when shopping around. The higher the rating, the more heat you’ll get for your energy dollar.
Radiant Floor Heating: Can It Work for You?
Radiant floor heating is a system that turns your entire floor into a radiator, providing consistent heat from the ground up. Radiant systems work by circulating heated water through a network of pipes beneath your floor. This method of heat distribution is incredibly even, eliminating the cold spots you might experience with forced-air systems. It’s also silent, so no more listening to the furnace kick on in the middle of the night. It works particularly well with tile or stone floors. These materials conduct and retain heat effectively, making your system even more efficient.
Solar and Geothermal Heating Systems
For the environmentally conscious homeowner looking to slash energy bills, solar and geothermal heating systems offer exciting possibilities. These systems harness renewable energy sources to keep your home warm.
Solar heating systems capture the sun’s energy to warm your home. Even on cloudy winter days, these systems can still collect useful heat. They’re often used in conjunction with another heating system to ensure you’re covered on those extra gloomy days.
Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground source heat pumps, tap into the constant temperature of the earth. These systems circulate fluid through underground pipes, absorbing heat from the earth in winter and dumping excess heat into the ground in summer. They’re incredibly efficient and can provide both heating and cooling.
Note: Both solar and geothermal systems are appealing if you’re building a new home or planning a major renovation.
Making the Right Decision for Your Home Heating Needs
As winter approaches, you want your PA home to have good heating before the first snowflake falls. Whether you’re leaning towards a traditional furnace, an efficient heat pump, or an eco-friendly geothermal system, you definitely want to consider your specific needs and home layout. For professional heating services, including heating installations, heating repairs, and maintenance of your existing heating system, reach out to Wendler Heating & Cooling. We’re here to help residents in the Pennsylvania counties of Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware enjoy a warm home all winter long.
