Studies have found that 53% of employees are less productive in a cold workplace. If your heating system isn’t putting out warm air in the winter, it may be time for a replacement.
The ideal heating system is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and requires little maintenance. With multiple options on the market, how do you choose the right unit before scheduling heating installation?
Keep reading to learn how to decide on the right heating system for your Onalaska, TX, business.
Know Your Options
The first thing you need to know about choosing a commercial heating system is that you have options. By understanding the heating options out there, you can evaluate how you can benefit from each of them.
These are commonly used options for businesses:
- Unit Heaters
- Water Oil/Gas Heaters
- Steam Oil/Gas Heaters
- Heat Pumps
- Natural Energy
We’ll discuss a little about each of them and how they can help you Onalaska, TX, business.
Unit Heaters
Unit heaters are popular for businesses that have warehouses, but they can also be used for offices and large buildings. This type of heater utilizes a simple fan assembly that blows over a coil into your space.
These heaters can run on different fuel types from natural gas to electricity. You can choose the fuel type that is more readily available in your area.
Water Oil/Gas Heaters
A water-based heating system uses a boiler to heat the water until it turns into steam. The steam is passed through radiators throughout the office to let off heat.
The boiler has to heat up and the air must be cleared from the system before the heat is felt.
Steam Oil/Gas Heaters
A steam oil/gas heater is more traditional for businesses. This type of heating system uses boiled fossil fuels.
The fossil fuels are condensed to create steam that is passed through pipes in a building. This system also requires a boiler to heat up before the steam is passed through the pipes of the building.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps work by extracting heat from cold air. They utilize a refrigerant that pumps generated heat to the commercial space.
Instead of fossil fuels, heat pumps utilize air from the environment. If your business has a focus on green practices, this is a great alternative heating system.
Heat pumps come with a significant upfront cost, but businesses can benefit from long-term savings.
Natural Energy
Another sustainable heating option involves using natural energy. These types of HVAC systems use sustainable resources for power, such as:
- Wind power
- Geothermal power
- Solar power
These heating systems don’t use fossil fuels so they can reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
You’ll have to pay higher than normal installation costs for natural energy systems. However, you’ll reap a higher return on investment in the long run because you’ll significantly lower your energy bill.
Texas offers an annual property tax exemption for commercial renewable energy systems.
Consider Square Footage
You need to determine the square footage of your commercial building that requires heating. Knowing the size of your space will help you identify the correct sized system.
A system that is too small won’t provide ample heating. A system that is too large is inefficient and costly.
Some business owners believe bigger means better when they need a new HVAC installation. This is rarely ever the case.
If you want to keep your company’s indoor environment comfortable and warm throughout the winter, you need a properly sized system.
Assess Energy Efficiency
If you are replacing an HVAC system because it is eating up energy, don’t make the mistake of choosing a new system that will do the same.
Commercial HVAC systems are high-energy consumers. Evaluating the energy efficiency of the options on the market is key to saving energy and keeping your costs low.
Choosing an HVAC system with a high SEER rating can save money on your energy bills. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy is required to produce an adequate amount of heat.
Consider additional features that are energy efficient, such as:
- Zoned heating
- Programmable thermostats
- Variable-speed motors
Regular maintenance after your commercial heating installation can also go a long way in ensuring your system is efficient.
Think About Indoor Air Quality
A heating system does more than pump heat into the air. HVAC systems are responsible for indoor air quality as well.
Poor indoor air quality leads to negative health effects for customers and employees. When you choose a commercial heating installation, consider systems with air purification components.
A focus on indoor air quality can help eliminate bacteria, mold, and allergens from the air.
Evaluate Price and Warranty
The price isn’t the only thing that matters when choosing a heating system, but it is an important factor. You’ll want to install a heater that you can afford to maintain. There are a lot of options on the market that range in price.
It helps to create a budget and a list of non-negotiables. Go for the system that meets your requirements and fits your budget.
Another money-saving tip is to evaluate the warranty of your system. Many HVAC system manufacturers offer warranties covering replacements and repairs for a certain amount of time.
If you find a cheaper unit with some of your requirements but a short warranty, it might be worth it to splurge on a better system with a lifetime warranty.
Keep in mind that if you opt for an energy-efficient system, you will likely pay higher upfront costs. Consider calculating the long-term savings you will reap to help with budgeting.
Let Us Handle Your Heating Installation
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right commercial heating system. Once you decide on an option, let Best Air Conditioning and Heating handle the heating installation for you.
We’ve been proudly serving Onalaska, TX, and nearby areas since 1983. Our family-owned and operated business puts customers first, and always with a smile.
For quality and friendly cooling and heating services, contact us today. Our specialists can help you choose a heating system and install it.
