Lethbridge Residential Heat

If you live in a colder climate a form of heating is required to keep your home a comfortable living temperature. Although forms of heating the home have been existence as long as people have been living in a colder climate, means of heating the home have become more refined and efficient.

The two basic forms of heating a home include a central or a local system with a central system being the most standard method. While a central system creates the heat in a central location and then distributes it throughout the house, a local system produces the heat in the separate and specific locations and heats only that small area.

Heating Basics

Furnaces are important in heating your home during the colder months as well as working with your air conditioning system to cool your home during the warmer time of the year. Furnaces work by combusting oil or gas which creates heat as a by-product of that reaction which is distributed throughout the home in an air distribution system. The ductwork throughout a home carries and disperses the conditioned air and the flue or vent pipe releases the by-products, such as carbon dioxide and water vapour, outside the home.
Preparing for Purchase

When preparing to purchase a new furnace for your home there are several considerations which should be taken into account including efficiency, size, noise, and warranty. The efficiency of the furnace is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Older furnaces can have an AFUE anywhere from 50% - 60%, whereas a new furnace can have an AFUE of up to 96%. This means that by keeping an older furnace in use, 46% of the heat produced can escape from your home. The size of furnace that should be purchased is affected by many different variables including the size of your home and how many windows, skylights, and people are in the home. The best way to have your best furnace size established is by having a professional evaluate and determine your heating needs.

The sound of a furnace turning on or off is an easily recognizable sound by many, but not a sound that you must put up with in order to heat your home. Newer furnaces are able to operate much more quietly and efficiently while being able to operate virtually unseen. As with the purchase of any product it is important to understand the warranty that is offered with your purchase. Included in the warranty and what you should be aware of are whether the parts are included with labour or simply one or the other. Also, the length of the warranty should be determined prior to you purchasing a furnace from your provider.

Charlton & Hill Limited and Charlton & Hill Welding Ltd. would be pleased to provide you with quotations and service and advice in any of our areas of specialization. Lethbridge Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Fireplaces and Water Heaters.