Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘heating installation’

Your Heating Options for 2025

Monday, November 18th, 2024
Wall-mounted air conditioning unit cooling a modern office where a person works at a desk.

A heating installation is a great idea for customers who are looking to add to their homes or replace their old systems. In fact, the situation is absolutely perfect for a lot of people who are looking to save money and raise their efficiency levels, since the technology has reached a pretty remarkable point.

Heat pumps, which used to not be a very big contender here in Cedar Rapids, are suddenly becoming a good investment for a lot of homeowners. Their sleek design, energy efficiency, and powerful cold-weather technology is giving homeowners another choice aside from the usual. If you’re unsure whether a heat pump is right for your home, explore which heating system fits best to make a more informed decision based on your space and comfort needs.

Let’s talk about your options when it comes to heating installation in Cedar Rapids, IA.

What are the best heating repair options in 2025?

  • Assess system type first: Know whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or ductless mini‑split so you can match repair methods accordingly.
  • Upgrade efficiency where possible: Modern furnaces and heat pumps have much higher AFUE, or equivalent, ratings; outdated units waste energy.
  • Repair vs replace decision:
    • If repair costs approach 50‑60% of a new unit, replacement is more cost‑effective.
    • Frequent breakdowns or age over ~15 years often point to replacement.
  • Cold‑weather readiness for heat pumps: Make sure key features like defrost mode work properly so your heat pump remains efficient in freezing conditions.
  • Seal and maintain ducts / zones: Heat loss through poorly sealed ducts or uneven heating can negate expensive repairs or high‑end unit benefits.

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The Secret to Lower Bills? A New Heater

Monday, November 4th, 2024

Heating your home shouldn’t break the bank. Old heaters often work harder than they need to, driving up energy bills. Upgrading to a modern heating system can save you money and make your home more comfortable. If you’re looking for heating installation in Ankeny, IA, we can help. Our team specializes in a range of services that keep homes warm and energy costs low. 

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Top Financial Tips for Your HVAC System

Monday, January 1st, 2024
piggy-bank

As any homeowner might already know, appliances can be extremely expensive to maintain and install. When you’re renting your first apartment or living in a transitionary period, it’s much easier to have a landlord deal with those expenses while you save your money and spend it on things you enjoy.

But when you’re settling down and making a long-term commitment, homeownership can be rewarding–if done correctly.

Your HVAC system represents an essential part of your home. No home is complete without a powerful heating installation in Waterloo, IA, but clearing out your bank account for said heating system might not be a smart choice either. Maintaining the equipment in your home is always an important point to consider, and you should make these choices responsibly.

So, how can you make a good financial decision when it comes to such expensive equipment? Here are just a few tips you can follow.

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3 Awesome Reasons to Choose Our Team This Winter

Monday, December 4th, 2023

So, your heating system has finally decided to call it quits after almost a decade of dutiful service. You’ve probably called for help numerous times this year and it’s finally becoming financially unfeasible to keep fixing this machine. Now, with such a large purchase on the horizon, things are getting financially tight and you’re probably looking for reasons to invest in a professional team.

After all, an amateur or family friend installing a system you purchase would probably be a lot cheaper, right? And that doesn’t sound so bad. But in truth, you’ll likely end up paying more and dealing with some serious consequences if you purchase amateur installation or service.

On the other end of the spectrum, our services like installation and replacement might seem more expensive in comparison, but they’re well worth the cost. Let’s talk about three distinct reasons why you’ll want to choose our team for heating in Waterloo, IA.

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New Heater Vs New Insulation

Monday, December 12th, 2022

Every time the cold temperatures roll around, the first thought in many homeowners’ heads is that they might need a new heating system. It’s true, if your heating system is in rough shape, is a decade old, or if it’s just not working the way that you want it to, then you are going to need a heating system replacement. However, the conversation shouldn’t start and stop there, it’s actually a lot more complicated.

Sometimes, your home needs a bit of extra help in other areas, not just with your heating system. A heating installation in Cedar Rapids, IA is certainly going to give you a boon in energy efficiency and comfort, but without proper insulation, it’s not going to do very much. Insulation is used to keep the heat inside of your home, and without it, your heat would quickly escape into the atmosphere around your home.

When do you purchase a new heater and when do you get new insulation? Keep reading to find out!

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Is a Ductless Heater Right For Your Home?

Monday, November 7th, 2022
ductless-air-handler

If you are shopping for a new heating system this time of the year, chances are that you’re in a bit of a rush to find one. We really want to discourage you from rushing into this decision though, since doing so could leave you with a system that isn’t well matched to your specific home or needs. Choosing the right heater can seem like an overwhelming task, but we are here to help! It’s important that you consult with a professional as it’s the only way you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your needs. And a ductless heating system, otherwise known as a ductless mini-split, might be the answer!

Ductless systems are great for keeping homes not only warm in the wintertime but also cool in the summer. They operate on heat pump technology and serve as more efficient heaters than electric furnaces. Read on to learn more and to get help deciding if this would be the right choice for your household.

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“Which Home Heating System Is Right for Me?”

Monday, October 3rd, 2022
Technician in gloves and safety gear working on heater replacement by accessing internal components.

One of the most commonly asked questions we get when it comes to installing a new heating system is “Which one is best for me?” There are so many options on the market today that it can seem pretty overwhelming to make choice, but we’re here to help! It first helps to choose what kind of heat you want.

What?! you might be wondering at this point… bear with us!

There are two main types of heating systems when you think about it… a forced-air system such as a furnace or heat pump, or a radiant heater such as a boiler or in-floor system. Each of these system types has its benefits, and finding the best one for your specific home and needs depends on a number of factors, which we can help you with. Read on to learn about the key differences! If you’re exploring options for a replacement, this guide on which home heating system is right for you can help you narrow down the right fit for your home’s layout and energy goals.

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Why Your Heater Replacement Requires a Pro

Monday, January 20th, 2020
technician-working-on-furnace

Do you need a heating system replacement in Waterloo, IA? We’re going to guess, since you decided to read this blog post, you already know that it requires a professional to do the job. But perhaps you’re skeptical, can’t you just do the job on your own? After all, there are so many “do it yourself” videos out there nowadays…

Sure, DIY projects are great. They’re great for things like repainting furniture, maybe building a planter box, or installing a new DVR, but they simply are not the solution for HVAC installation. There are a number of things that can go wrong, and these factors affect not only your comfort, but your safety too. The following factors, such as the complexity of the system, home size, and the condition of your current unit, all influence the difficulty and safety of a boiler replacement.

Still not convinced? Read on!

Introduction to Heater Replacement

Heater replacement is a vital part of keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient, especially as older systems become less reliable and more costly to operate. Upgrading to a new boiler or heating system can make a significant difference in your monthly energy bills and overall comfort. With energy prices on the rise and a growing focus on sustainability, homeowners are increasingly looking at replacing outdated, inefficient boilers with high efficiency models. Homeowners can potentially qualify for rebates and tax credits when installing high-efficiency boilers. A professional boiler installation ensures that your new system is properly matched to your heating needs and hot water needs, taking into account factors like boiler size, fuel source, type, and efficiency rating. By understanding the various elements that affect boiler replacement costs, you can make an informed decision that balances upfront investment with long-term savings and comfort.

Choosing the Right Heater

Selecting the best heater for your home involves more than just picking a model off the shelf. Your heating needs, available fuel source, and budget all play a role in determining the right fit. Natural gas boilers are a popular choice for their high efficiency and lower operating costs, making them ideal for homes with access to natural gas. Oil boilers are often considered in areas where natural gas isn’t available, offering reliable heat but sometimes at a higher cost. Heat pumps provide an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative, especially in milder climates. To ensure your new system delivers the right heating capacity, it’s important to consider the British Thermal Units (BTUs) required for your space, the boiler size best suited to your home, as well as whether you need an indirect water heater for hot water supply. Consulting with an HVAC professional can help you navigate these options, ensuring your new boiler or heating system is perfectly tailored to your home’s unique requirements. A licensed contractor can also walk you through both the boiler installation process and a breakdown of the expected boiler replacement cost for your project, while highlighting the advantages of replacing older units before they fail.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

When replacing your heater, energy efficiency should be at the top of your priority list. High efficiency boilers, such as condensing boilers, are designed to extract more heat from the same amount of fuel, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. High-efficiency boilers can achieve an AFUE rating between 95% to 98%, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking to save on energy costs. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is a key metric to look for, higher AFUE ratings mean greater efficiency and more savings over time. Installing zoning systems can further boost energy efficiency by allowing you to control heating zones independently, so you only heat the areas you need. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspecting the heat exchanger, is essential to keep your system running at peak performance. While efficiency is key, you’ll also want to factor in long-term boiler installation costs, since higher efficiency units may cost more upfront but save more in the long run. By focusing on high efficiency options and proper maintenance, and timely boiler replacement homeowners can enjoy reliable heat, lower costs, and a smaller environmental footprint.

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