When it comes to the Southern California area, we’re blessed with near-perfect weather most of the year. We don’t often think about having to heat our homes because the weather can be so nice. But as summer fades into winter and the sun begins to set, It’s not uncommon to want to reach for the heater.
If you’re new to the area, just moved into your new home, or are simply renovating your family home, then you’ll want to make sure your HVAC system is in proper working order; otherwise, you could find yourself needing some extra blankets once the temperatures start to drop.
How Important is an HVAC System in Your SoCal Home?
Most people who aren’t familiar with the area may have some preconceived notions when it comes to just how necessary an HVAC system is in an Orange County or Los Angeles home.
When those from the Midwest and the eastern side of the country think of Southern California, they automatically assume it’s sunshine and beach days year-round. Who needs a heating system? After all, it gets so warm during the day that your home should heat up sufficiently to keep you cozy all night, right?
Despite popular belief, you might be surprised to learn that Southern California averages evening temps that frequently dip as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, especially during the winter months.
So, while you may not necessarily need an HVAC unit that can pump out the same amount of heat required for homes in colder climates, you still need to have a unit sufficient for keeping your home warm and comfortable.
Aside from adequately heating your home, having an up-to-date, properly maintained HVAC system is crucial for a number of other reasons, such as:
- Maintaining the overall quality of the air you breathe while at home.
- Keeping your family healthy and free from airborne illnesses.
A properly functioning HVAC system will help keep the air you breathe clean as it forces air through various filters. As long as you’re properly maintaining those filters and the rest of the HVAC unit, you can trust that the system is working to protect you and your family.
Discover 4 Heating Systems Worth Considering in Southern California
Whether you’re new to the Southern California area or you’re looking into upgrading your home’s current heating system, you’ll want to make sure you are taking plenty of time to research all of your available options for heating your home. A Home Comfort technician will happily answer any of your questions.
Not only are there dozens of different makes and models currently on the market, but there are also several additional factors that you may want to consider when choosing your heating and cooling system, including:
- Size of the unit in relation to the size of your home
- Quality of the product
- Reputation of the manufacturer
- Features the unit may or may not have
- How energy-efficient the unit is
- Difficult of installation
Once you’ve started making a list of requirements that your new unit must have, you can start considering which type of heating unit will best suit your needs:
1) Heat Pumps
A heat pump unit is a system that’s located outside of the home. It takes the outside air and moves it into the home, either heating it or cooling it, depending on your needs. If you’re looking to heat up your room, the heat pump will draw in air from outside, heat it up and distribute it into your living space.
These units are a favorite amongst homeowners because they are considered both cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Some of the most notable benefits of heat pumps include:
- Lower running costs
- Safe to use
- Require less maintenance
2) Gas Furnaces
A full gas furnace is part of a standard HVAC system. It converts either propane or natural gas into a high-temperature heat that is then distributed throughout the home via the duct system.
The heating process begins as the unit’s pilot light ignites the gas being used by the unit and the burners inside the combustion chamber. This produces the heat that then enters a heat exchanger, where it is transferred into the air throughout the home.
While these units are capable of heating much cooler locations, they aren’t nearly as cost-effective as the alternatives.
Benefits of a gas furnace include:
- Reliability
- Offers a warmer heat
3) Dual Fuel Systems
A dual fuel system is a unit that utilizes both an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. These units will typically rely on the heat pump to provide a home with adequate heat during the milder months, and it will even work as an efficient air conditioning unit during the warmer months.
However, once the temperatures begin to drop around freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit), the heat pump will automatically shut off, and the gas furnace will switch on to heat your home further.
Benefits of a dual fuel heating system include:
- Cost savings
- Eco-friendly
- Efficiency
- Quiet units
- Versatility
4) Ductless Heating Systems
Ductless heating systems are units that don’t require complicated ductwork throughout the home. That’s because they’re typically used to heat a single room using electricity.
Also known as split or mini-split units, ductless heating systems provide Southern California homeowners with several benefits, including:
- Available in a variety of “smart” models
- Easier to install
- Energy efficient
- Improved overall air quality
- Minimal maintenance required
- Versatility
Keep Your HVAC System Running Right with Home Comfort USA
Your HVAC system plays a more vital role in your family’s health and comfort than you may know. That’s why it’s important to take the time to understand your unit and the many signs that may indicate that it needs repairing.
The team at Home Comfort USA has been servicing heating and cooling units throughout Southern California for seven years, and we take our name “the comfort guys” seriously. It’s our priority to ensure that you and your loved ones can relax in your home without worrying about HVAC system repair or maintenance. We’re here to help you!
If you believe your HVAC unit needs maintenance or repair, then contact us today to schedule your expert assessment.
