Uniondale, IN Heating System Guide — HVAC Tips

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

If you are wondering how to choose the best heating system for your house, you are not alone. Huntington winters are long, and the right choice saves money and brings comfort. In this guide, we compare furnaces, heat pumps, and geothermal systems, explain sizing, and show real costs. You will also see when to repair or replace and how to use rebates. Want extra peace of mind? Ask about our $69 Furnace Tune‑Up with a No Breakdown Guarantee.

Start With Your Home and Climate

Choosing a system is not one size fits all. Begin with where you live, how your home is built, and what you pay for energy.

1. Climate and seasons in Northeast Indiana
2. • Winters are below freezing for months, so steady heat matters.
   • Shoulder seasons swing fast, so smart controls and variable speed help.
2. Your home’s profile
3. • Square footage, insulation level, and window quality impact load.
   • Duct condition, room balance, and existing equipment age matter.
3. Utility rates and fuel access
4. • Natural gas is often the lowest cost per BTU here when available.
   • Electric rates and off‑peak programs can favor heat pumps.

Pro tip: Schedule a load calculation before you buy. Guessing by square footage alone leads to short cycling, cold rooms, and higher bills.

Sizing and Efficiency, Decoded

A great system installed at the wrong size wastes money. Ask your contractor for a Manual J load calculation and a Manual D duct review.

• Furnaces use AFUE. A 95 percent AFUE gas furnace converts 95 percent of fuel into heat.
• Heat pumps use HSPF2 and SEER2. Higher HSPF2 means better winter efficiency.
• Variable speed blowers improve comfort, lower noise, and reduce swings.
• Tight ducts and proper static pressure protect efficiency and equipment life.

Checklist to review with your consultant:

1. Design temperature and heat loss report
2. Duct leakage or restriction findings
3. Final equipment model numbers and capacities
4. Thermostat type and control strategy

Compare Your Options: Pros and Cons

Different homes and budgets call for different systems. Here is a clear way to compare.

High‑Efficiency Gas Furnaces

• Best fit: Homes with natural gas service and existing ducts.
• Pros: Fast heat, reliable in very cold weather, wide model range at good prices.
• Cons: Needs flue venting and combustion air. Annual service is essential.
• Look for: 95 to 98 percent AFUE, variable speed, sealed combustion.

Electric Furnaces

• Best fit: Homes without gas that still prefer ducted heat.
• Pros: Simple design, low upfront price.
• Cons: Highest operating cost in cold climates. Consider pairing with a heat pump.

Air‑Source Heat Pumps

• Best fit: Homes seeking efficient electric heat plus cooling from one unit.
• Pros: Heats and cools, excellent efficiency, pairs well with solar.
• Cons: May need a furnace or electric strip backup in extreme cold.
• Look for: Cold‑climate ratings, high HSPF2, variable speed inverter technology.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

• Best fit: Owners planning to stay long term and with yard space for loops.
• Pros: Very low operating cost, stable performance, long equipment life.
• Cons: Highest upfront cost and site work. Choose an experienced installer.

Ducted vs Ductless

• Ducted systems are ideal if your ducts are sound and sized right.
• Ductless mini‑splits shine for additions, bonus rooms, or homes with no ducts.
• Hybrid setups combine a main furnace or heat pump with ductless heads for problem rooms.

Quick test: If bedrooms are hot or cold versus the hallway, have the ducts inspected before buying new equipment.

Total Cost of Ownership, Not Just Price

Sticker price is only part of the story. Calculate five‑year and ten‑year totals.

1. Upfront equipment and installation
2. Energy use based on AFUE or HSPF2 and your utility rates
3. Maintenance and filters
4. Repairs outside of warranty
5. Rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives that reduce net cost

Members of a maintenance plan often save with priority service, no overtime charges, and discounts on repairs and new systems. Those perks protect warranties and comfort.

Safety, Air Quality, and Noise

Heating is comfort and health.

• Safety: Combustion appliances must be vented and tested for carbon monoxide. Install detectors on each floor.
• Air quality: Choose high‑MERV filters only if your blower can handle it. Consider media cabinets or air cleaners.
• Humidity: Whole‑home humidifiers help protect wood floors and comfort in winter.
• Noise: Variable speed and good return air design lower sound levels.

When To Repair vs Replace

Use age, repair history, and efficiency to guide your call.

• Repair makes sense when your unit is under 10 years old, parts are available, and the fix is minor.
• Replace when any of these apply:
• • Furnace is 15 years or older, or the heat exchanger is compromised.
  • Heat pump is 12 years or older with a major compressor issue.
  • Multiple rooms are uncomfortable even after duct fixes.
  • Annual bills are rising despite tune‑ups.

Pro tip: If the repair is over 30 percent of replacement cost and efficiency is low, price a new system. Financing options can make the upgrade cash‑flow neutral when energy savings are counted.

Must‑Ask Questions Before You Sign

Interview your installer like you would hire a key employee.

1. Will you provide a Manual J, duct assessment, and written scope of work?
2. Are your technicians licensed and background checked?
3. What is the manufacturer and labor warranty? We provide a one‑year labor and manufacturer warranty on HVAC equipment and services.
4. Do you offer 24/7 emergency support and stocked trucks for faster fixes?
5. Can I see model numbers, efficiency ratings, and a line‑item proposal with financing?

Local Factors Huntington Homeowners Should Know

• Older homes near downtown often have tight basements and mixed‑age ducts. Plan for venting and clearance in the mechanical room.
• Newer builds around Roanoke and Markle often suit high‑efficiency sealed combustion furnaces or dual‑fuel heat pumps.
• Winters here push equipment hard. Annual inspections before the cold months prevent no‑heat calls and protect warranties.
• Our team serves Huntington, Bluffton, Decatur, Ossian, Roanoke, South Whitley, Pierceton, Warren, Markle, and Andrews with same‑day options.

Rebates, Credits, and Financing

Energy‑efficient equipment may qualify for federal credits and local utility rebates. The amounts change each year, but high‑efficiency furnaces, air‑source heat pumps, and geothermal systems are commonly eligible when installed by licensed pros. We help you find and file available incentives and pair them with flexible financing.

What A Proper Installation Looks Like

Expect a clean, predictable process.

1. Home evaluation, load calc, and duct inspection
2. Options and pricing, including rebates and financing
3. Permit and schedule
4. Careful removal of old equipment
5. New system set, sealed, leveled, and pressure tested
6. Commissioning with combustion or refrigerant checks
7. Thermostat setup and homeowner walk‑through
8. Warranty registration and maintenance plan enrollment

Maintenance That Protects Your Investment

Even the best system needs routine care.

• Furnaces: Annual tune‑ups catch issues like clogged filters, weak igniters, and draft problems.
• Heat pumps: Clean outdoor coils, check charge, and verify defrost operation before winter.
• Geothermal: Inspect loop pressure, flush if needed, and verify pump flow.

We recommend one full heating inspection each year before the cold season. It is the easiest way to reduce surprise breakdowns and keep energy costs in check.

Why Homeowners Choose Summers

Two facts that matter when comfort is on the line:

• 24/7 emergency heating service with trucks stocked for fast repairs
• 4.9 stars from 1,700 plus Google reviews and over 40 years serving Indiana

Add in upfront pricing, licensed techs trained on gas furnaces, electric furnaces, geothermal systems, and heat pumps, and you get a heating partner that stands behind the install and the follow‑through.

Special Offers for Huntington Homeowners

• Special Offer: Save $69 on a Furnace Tune‑Up with our No Breakdown Guarantee. Use code TUNE69 before 2026‑02‑04.
• Limited Time: Free service call with any paid heating repair this month. Use code FREEDIAG before 2026‑02‑04.
• Free second opinions on heating system quotes and recommended repairs. Mention SECONDOP before 2026‑02‑04.

Call (260) 200‑4011 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/huntington/ to claim an offer.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Excellent customer service is rare these days, but Summer's Plumbing and Heating has truly exceeded my expectations! ... Greg Foor came out in March and found a serious issue with our furnace a disconnected pipe near the internal vents that could have led to carbon monoxide exposure. He sealed it the same day. ... They confirmed the blower issue, honored the original quotes, helped us secure financing, and scheduled installation for the next morning."
–Shannon N., Furnace Service

"We called Summers to have our HVAC system looked at and were very happy with the service. Greg was very thorough with inspecting and taking care of our heating system. We decided to become members so we can have this type of service every time."
–Brent C., HVAC Service

"And today, I have a new furnace!! ... Corey and Gage came and had the old one out and the new one in so quickly! They explained the installation process before, during and after. I felt very confident in their knowledge and ability."
–Brad T., Furnace Installation

"Todd Goodman did an excellent job inspecting my HVAC unit. The best part was how well he communicated everything. He clearly explained the current state of my system, what maintenance was performed, and gave me honest, straightforward recommendations for the future."
–Douglas H., HVAC Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between a furnace and a heat pump?

Pick based on fuel access, utility rates, and comfort goals. If you have natural gas, a high‑efficiency furnace is cost‑effective. If you want all‑electric with cooling, consider a cold‑climate heat pump.

What size heating system do I need?

Size must follow a Manual J load calculation. It factors square footage, insulation, windows, and ducts. Avoid rules of thumb that guess by tonnage per square foot.

Are heat pumps good in Indiana winters?

Yes, modern cold‑climate heat pumps work well here. Many homes use a dual‑fuel setup with a gas furnace for the coldest nights to balance comfort and cost.

How often should I service my heating system?

Once a year before the cold season. Annual inspections protect warranties, prevent breakdowns, and keep efficiency on track.

What warranties should I expect on a new system?

Expect written manufacturer parts coverage and a labor warranty. We provide a one‑year labor and manufacturer warranty on HVAC equipment and services.

Bottom Line

Selecting the best heating system for your house in Huntington comes down to load, ducts, fuel options, and installer quality. Compare furnaces, heat pumps, or geothermal on efficiency and total cost, then insist on proper sizing and commissioning. Ready for clarity and comfort that lasts?

Call (260) 200‑4011 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/huntington/. Use code TUNE69 for the $69 Furnace Tune‑Up with our No Breakdown Guarantee before 2026‑02‑04.

Get Expert Help Today

• Call now: (260) 200‑4011
• Book online: https://www.summersphc.com/huntington/
• Active offer: $69 Furnace Tune‑Up with No Breakdown Guarantee. Code TUNE69. Expires 2026‑02‑04.

We serve Huntington, Bluffton, Decatur, Ossian, Roanoke, South Whitley, Pierceton, Warren, Markle, and Andrews. Get a right‑sized, efficient system and trusted support 24/7.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has helped Indiana homeowners stay comfortable for over 40 years. Our licensed, background‑checked technicians deliver upfront pricing, fully stocked trucks, and same‑day options. We back our work with a one‑year labor and manufacturer warranty on HVAC equipment and services, plus maintenance plans with priority service. With 24/7 emergency response and 4.9 stars from 1,700+ Google reviews, we make heating choices simple and stress‑free in Huntington and nearby towns.