Heating

When making heating and cooling decisions there are two considerations: first, the source- oil, gas, or electric; second, the delivery system – forced air or radiant (including radiators and baseboard heaters.) Either delivery system can have any source. Regular maintenance is important, and many people try to avoid it. Cleaning alone will prevent many future problems.

On oil furnaces, maintenance is often covered by a service contract you have with the supplier. Do the jobs you’re comfortable with, but keep the contract. Most gas suppliers to not offer service contracts, but the routine work is simple and clean enough that you should be able to give it a try.

Putting in a furnace or replacing an existing one requires experience in determining the right-sized unit, matching it to the existing venting, putting in new vents, and troubleshooting air flow. Hire a professional.