Heating Installation

Choosing the Right Heating System for Your Home

When it's time to install a new heating system, the number of options can feel overwhelming. Gas furnace? Electric furnace? Heat pump? Dual fuel? Each has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your home, your budget, and your comfort preferences. At NexGen Comfort Services, we help you cut through the confusion and find the system that makes the most sense for your situation.

Types of Heating Systems We Install

Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are the most popular heating option in East Texas. They burn natural gas or propane to create heat, which is then distributed through your ductwork. Gas furnaces are known for producing warm, comfortable heat quickly and are typically less expensive to operate than electric furnaces because natural gas costs less than electricity in most areas. Modern gas furnaces are also highly efficient, with some models converting over 98% of the fuel they burn into heat for your home.

Electric Furnace

Electric furnaces use heating elements (similar to a toaster, just much larger) to warm the air. They're less expensive to install than gas furnaces and don't require a gas line, making them a good option for homes without natural gas access. However, they typically cost more to operate because electricity is more expensive than gas in most areas. Electric furnaces are very safe since there's no combustion involved — no flame, no exhaust, and no risk of gas leaks.

Heat Pump

A heat pump doesn't actually generate heat — it moves heat from the outside air into your home (yes, even in cold weather, there's still heat energy in the air). Heat pumps are extremely efficient because they move heat rather than create it, which means they can deliver 2–3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume. In East Texas's relatively mild winters, a heat pump can be an excellent and cost-effective choice. Plus, it works in reverse during summer to cool your home, so it's a two-in-one system.

Dual Fuel System

A dual fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles heating on mild days (when it's most efficient), and the gas furnace kicks in during the coldest weather when the heat pump's efficiency drops. This gives you the best of both worlds — maximum efficiency most of the time, with reliable gas heat as backup when temperatures really drop. It's a premium option, but many homeowners find the energy savings make it well worth the investment.

Understanding Efficiency Ratings

Just like air conditioners have SEER ratings, heating systems have their own efficiency measurements:

• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) — Used for gas and electric furnaces. It tells you what percentage of the fuel is converted into heat. For example, an 80% AFUE furnace converts 80 cents of every dollar of fuel into heat, while 20 cents goes up the exhaust flue. A 96% AFUE furnace wastes only 4 cents of every dollar. Modern high-efficiency furnaces range from 90–98% AFUE.
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) — Used for heat pumps. Higher is better. Current minimum standards require at least 8.8 HSPF, and high-efficiency heat pumps can reach 10–13 HSPF. Think of it as the heating equivalent of a SEER rating.

How to Choose the Right System

There's no single "best" heating system — it depends on your specific circumstances. Here are the factors we consider when helping you decide:

• Fuel availability — Do you have a natural gas line? If so, a gas furnace or dual fuel system may be your best option. No gas line? A heat pump or electric furnace is the way to go.
• Budget — Electric furnaces are cheapest to install but most expensive to run. Gas furnaces are mid-range for both. Heat pumps cost more upfront but offer the lowest operating costs during mild weather.
• Existing equipment — If you already have an AC system and ductwork, we can often pair a new furnace with your existing condenser. If you're replacing everything, a heat pump system is worth considering.
• Comfort preferences — Gas furnaces produce warmer supply air (110–140°F). Heat pumps produce slightly cooler supply air (90–100°F) but run longer and more evenly. Neither is better — it's a matter of preference.

What Installation Involves

A professional heating installation is a detailed process that should be done right the first time. Here's what to expect from NexGen:

• In-home consultation with load calculation to determine proper equipment sizing
• Removal and disposal of old equipment
• Installation of new furnace or heat pump, including all connections (gas piping, electrical, condensate, flue/venting)
• Ductwork inspection and modifications if needed
• Thermostat installation or upgrade
• Full system testing — including safety controls, ignition sequence, gas pressure, airflow, and temperature rise
• Homeowner walk-through and system orientation

Permits and Code Compliance

Heating system installations in Texas require permits and must meet local building codes. This isn't just a formality — it's about safety. Code requirements cover things like proper venting of combustion gases, gas line sizing, electrical connections, and clearance from combustible materials. NexGen Comfort Services handles all permitting and ensures every installation meets or exceeds code requirements. We're fully licensed and insured, so you can rest easy knowing the job is done right and done legally.

Financing Through Synchrony

Don't let upfront cost keep you from a warm, comfortable home. We offer flexible financing through Synchrony Financial with approved credit, including promotional interest rate options. Monthly payments make it easy to invest in a quality heating system that will save you money on energy bills for years to come. Visit our financing page or ask us about your options during your consultation.

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