Controlled by your thermostat, the heating unit is an integral part of your home’s HVAC system. When you adjust the temperature setting at your thermostat, it triggers your heating unit to cycle on and change the temperature in your house. The type of heating unit you have will determine how this heat transfers. Regardless of the type you own, maintenance of the heating unit is essential to maintain comfort and reliability.
Knowing which type of unit is heating your home is essential to understanding your maintenance and repair requirements to keep your furnace or other unit running smoothly throughout the cold winter months. Here, we break down each type of unit that may be found in your home – furnaces, hydronic (hot water with radiators), and steam. These units are typically fired with natural gas, propane, or heating oil. In the event your heating unit does encounter problems, Benditt Mechanical offers repairs in the metro Philadelphia, Delaware County, and The Main Line areas to keep your unit up and running during the heating season.
Types of Heating Units
Furnaces:
Furnaces heat air which is then circulated by a blower fan throughout the house. They can be powered by natural gas, heating oil, or propane.
Natural Gas Furnaces
- Natural Gas is the most widely used heating systems in our area. They are considered the most economical option because they are more energy-efficient than their counterparts. Natural gas is currently the cheapest source of fuel available.
Propane
- Propane is used in place of natural gas when there is no natural gas service line or distribution in the neighborhood. Propane is considered the most expensive option.
Oil Furnaces
- Oil is used for the same reason as propane but requires the most maintenance.
Hydronic Heating (Water with Radiators):
- Natural gas, propane, or oil heat the water which is pumped around the house. The heated water transfers heat to the radiators for a very even, quiet, and comfortable heat. These systems mostly exist in older homes.
- Benditt Mechanical is very experienced in servicing and maintaining this type of system with most of the common parts stocked on our service trucks.
Steam Heat
- Steam heat is generally in the oldest homes, and the steam boiler could be fired by natural gas, propane, or oil.
- A call for heat turns the boiler on, boils the water, and creates steam that flows to the radiators in the house.
- This is one of the most misunderstood heating systems still being used today. Benditt Mechanical has years of experience with extensive training to service and maintain steam systems. Many steam systems were repaired by inexperienced technicians due to a lack of system exposure or experiences. Benditt Mechanical has had to undo many improper repairs to make the steam system function the way that it was intended when it was originally installed.
- Many heating contractors have recommended Benditt Mechanical to take care of their customers’ steam systems.
Contact Benditt Mechanical for HVAC services in the Metro Philadelphia areas.
It’s never too late to take steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency or prevent future heating unit problems. For assistance with heating maintenance, repairs, or replacement, contact Benditt Mechanical for HVAC services in the metro Philadelphia, Delaware county, and The Main Line by filling out our contact form or calling us at 484-466-3148 today.
Regardless of the type of heating unit or furnace in your house, Benditt Mechanical will diagnose and service all safety and operating controls and system assemblies. We make corrections as needed, and replace worn parts before they break to ensure that your unit will perform as designed throughout the cold winter months.