Goshen, IN Heating System Guide — HVAC Tips

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Cold mornings in the South Bend and Elkhart area can hit hard. If you are comparing options and wondering how to choose the best heating system for your house, this guide is your shortcut to a confident decision. We will compare furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps, explain sizing, costs, and efficiency, and show you how our team can install and maintain your system the right way. Ask about our seasonal $69 furnace inspection special.

Start With Climate, Home, and Comfort Goals

Northern Indiana winters bring lake effect cold and wind. Your choice should match local weather, your home’s layout, and your comfort preferences.

Consider these first:

1. Climate reality
2. • Long, cold winters favor systems with steady heat and strong efficiency in low temps.
   • Heat pumps can work well here, often with supplemental electric heat or a dual fuel furnace.
2. Home structure
3. • Ducted homes fit furnaces and many heat pumps.
   • Radiator or radiant floors align with boilers.
3. Comfort goals
4. • Even heat in many rooms, quiet operation, and clean air may guide your pick.
4. Budget and incentives
5. • Balance upfront cost, energy savings, and possible rebates.

“Great service! They were able to come out on same day when our furnace wasn't heating and had excellent knowledge and skill to solve our issue quickly, plus explain what was going on.”

Key Efficiency Metrics You Should Know

Choosing well means understanding efficiency ratings. Two hard facts to anchor your decision:

• Since 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy requires new central systems to use updated SEER2 and HSPF2 test procedures. Minimums increased in many regions, which helps you compare real‑world performance more accurately.
• Gas furnace efficiency is measured by AFUE. High efficiency models reach 95 to 97 percent AFUE, meaning most fuel turns into useful heat.

Metrics at a glance:

1. AFUE for furnaces
2. • 90 percent AFUE means 90 percent of fuel becomes heat for your home.
2. SEER2 and HSPF2 for heat pumps
3. • SEER2 reflects cooling efficiency. HSPF2 reflects heating efficiency. Higher numbers are better.
3. Boiler efficiency
4. • Look for high AFUE ratings and modulating burners for even heat.

Furnaces vs Boilers vs Heat Pumps: Which Fits Your Home?

Each system can deliver reliable heat when matched to the right house and climate. Here is how to decide.

Furnaces

Best for ducted homes needing fast, whole‑house heat and indoor air filtration.

Pros:

• Strong, quick heat in very cold weather.
• Works with air cleaners, UV lights, and humidifiers.
• High efficiency options up to 97 percent AFUE.

Considerations:

• Requires ductwork in good condition.
• Gas line or propane supply needed for fuel models.

Boilers

Ideal for homes with radiators or radiant floors seeking quiet, even heat.

Pros:

• Very even heat with low air movement.
• High efficiency gas, oil, or combi options available.
• Great for zoning by floors or rooms.

Considerations:

• Slower to change temperature than a furnace.
• Hydronic components need proper sizing and venting.

“Extremely pleased with Josh. He is very polite, patient with every question I had and obviously knowledgeable. My furnace was being a bit stubborn but he worked with it step by step until all is well. Thank you!!”

Heat Pumps

A strong, efficient option, often paired with electric strips or a gas furnace for very cold days.

Pros:

• Efficient heating and cooling in one unit.
• Rated by SEER2 and HSPF2, so you can compare energy use.
• Quiet models available when noise matters.

Considerations:

• Output falls as outdoor temperatures drop. Dual fuel can solve this.
• Needs correct sizing and setup for best performance.

Sizing: Why a “Right‑Sized” System Saves You Money

Oversized units short cycle, waste energy, and wear out early. Undersized units struggle and leave you chilly.

What proper sizing looks like:

1. A room by room load calculation using local weather data and your home’s insulation, windows, and air leakage.
2. For heat pumps, verify design temperature performance and balance point.
3. For boilers, match radiator capacity and water temperature to the load.
4. For furnaces, choose the smallest model that meets the peak load with a margin for extreme cold.

We complete a full inspection, check duct static pressure for furnaces and heat pumps, and confirm airflow. For boilers, we size pumps and expansion tanks, then verify venting and safety controls.

“My furnace was failing during the coldest day of the year... Joshua Wiggins arrived quicker than expected and troubleshot it quickly. He replaced a faulty control board and we had heat again.”

Total Cost of Ownership: Purchase, Energy, and Care

Sticker price is one part. Plan for energy use and maintenance.

• Furnaces
• • Moderate upfront cost. Gas prices and AFUE drive bills.
  • Maintenance is simple when filters are changed on time.
• Boilers
• • Higher upfront cost. Excellent comfort and durability when maintained.
  • Annual service keeps efficiency high and prevents leaks.
• Heat Pumps
• • Upfront cost varies by efficiency and features.
  • Lower energy use at mild temps. Dual fuel improves cold weather costs.

Financing and local specials can smooth the upfront hit. We provide pricing upfront before work starts, so you know the total before authorizing repairs or installs.

Noise, Air Quality, and Comfort Features

Comfort is more than temperature.

• Quiet operation
• • Look at decibel ratings for heat pumps and furnaces with variable speed blowers.
• Air quality
• • Furnace and heat pump systems can add high MERV or media filters and humidifiers.
• Controls
• • Smart thermostats give better scheduling, remote control, and energy insights.

“Woke up to our furnace not working... they were at our house within 2 hours... got us back up and running within an hour for a very affordable price and gave suggestions on future work to help with heating and cooling efficiency.”

Our Boiler and Heat Pump Selection Process

We help you compare options using objective metrics and your goals.

Boilers:

1. Select a high efficiency gas, oil, or combination boiler that fits your budget and comfort needs.
2. Plan careful removal and installation to protect your home.
3. Test combustion and safety controls, then walk you through temperature, schedule, and maintenance.

Heat pumps:

1. Start with a thorough inspection to size the system correctly.
2. Compare SEER2, HSPF2, noise levels, and maintenance requirements.
3. After installation, we perform comprehensive safety and performance checks, and show you how to adjust your thermostat.

What a Professional Tune Up Includes

Our technicians follow a consistent checklist to protect your investment and prevent breakdowns.

• Clean coils and blowers to maximize efficiency.
• Inspect and test the thermostat for precise temperature control.
• Assess and balance refrigerant and airflow levels where applicable.
• Check for worn parts and recommend replacements if needed.
• Tighten electrical connections and inspect safety controls.
• Lubricate moving components to cut down on wear.
• Evaluate and replace filters to promote cleaner air.

Plan members enjoy two checkups each year, priority scheduling, discounts on repairs and parts, and reminders so you never miss service.

Signs It Is Time to Replace, Not Repair

If any of these fit, replacement may be the smart move:

1. Your system is past its typical life and repairs are frequent or costly.
2. Heat is uneven, noisy, or the unit cycles on and off often.
3. Energy bills keep rising despite maintenance.
4. Safety concerns such as repeated lockouts, cracked heat exchangers, or venting issues.

We offer free second opinions, so you can validate a big decision without stress.

What To Expect on Installation Day

We respect your time and home. Here is the process homeowners in Elkhart, Goshen, and Mishawaka can expect.

1. Arrive on time, introduce the crew, and protect floors and work areas.
2. Remove old equipment and dispose of it properly.
3. Install the new system to code and manufacturer specs, with attention to airflow, venting, gas lines, and condensate.
4. Commissioning: measure static pressure, temperature rise, fuel trim, and control settings.
5. Clean up and walk through thermostat use, filter changes, and basic maintenance.
6. Provide documentation, warranties, and our contact for support.

Our trucks come fully stocked for fast service, and you approve the price before work starts.

Local Insight: Matching Systems to Northern Indiana Homes

• Older homes in South Bend or Elkhart with radiant heat often gain comfort and efficiency with a modern condensing boiler and outdoor reset control.
• Ducted suburban homes in Granger or Osceola may see big gains from variable speed furnaces paired with high MERV filtration.
• For homes that need both heating and cooling upgrades, a cold climate heat pump with a dual fuel furnace can deliver efficient comfort year round.

When you are ready, we will size it right, install it cleanly, and support you for the long run.

Special Offer: $69 Furnace Inspection With No Breakdown Guarantee

Keep your system ready for the cold. Furnace inspection special for $69 this month only. Use code FURNACE69 before 2026-02-04. Call (574) 367-8549 or book at https://summersphc.com/elkhart/ to redeem. Must mention the $69 furnace inspection special at scheduling. Terms and conditions apply. Cannot be combined with other offers.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Woke up to our furnace not working... they were at our house within 2 hours... got us back up and running within an hour for a very affordable price and gave suggestions on future work to help with heating and cooling efficiency." –Summers PHC Customer

"Great service! They were able to come out on same day when our furnace wasn't heating and had excellent knowledge and skill to solve our issue quickly, plus explain what was going on." –Summers PHC Customer

"My furnace was failing during the coldest day of the year... Joshua Wiggins arrived quicker than expected and troubleshot it quickly. He replaced a faulty control board and we had heat again." –Summers PHC Customer

"Extremely pleased with Josh. He is very polite, patient with every question I had and obviously knowledgeable. My furnace was being a bit stubborn but he worked with it step by step until all is well. Thank you!!" –Summers PHC Customer

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size heating system I need?

A proper Manual J style load calculation is the best guide. It uses your home’s size, insulation, windows, and local weather data to determine the right capacity. Avoid guesswork based on square footage alone.

Are heat pumps good for Northern Indiana winters?

Yes, with correct sizing and setup. Many homes pair a heat pump with electric strips or a gas furnace for very cold days. This dual fuel approach keeps efficiency high and comfort steady.

What efficiency ratings should I compare?

For furnaces, compare AFUE. For heat pumps, compare SEER2 and HSPF2. Higher ratings usually mean lower energy use. Ask for performance at your local design temperature too.

How often should I service my heating system?

Once a year for furnaces and boilers. Heat pumps benefit from twice yearly checks since they heat and cool. Maintenance keeps efficiency up and reduces unexpected breakdowns.

What signs mean I should replace instead of repair?

Frequent or expensive repairs, rising bills, uneven heat, or safety issues are key signs. If your unit is old and has multiple failures, replacement can be the better value.

In Summary

Choosing the best heating system for your house starts with climate, sizing, and efficiency. In the South Bend and Elkhart area, we help you compare furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps, then install and maintain the right fit. Ready to move from research to results? We are here to help.

Ready for Warmth You Can Count On?

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (574) 367-8549 or schedule at https://summersphc.com/elkhart/. Ask for the $69 Furnace Inspection with No Breakdown Guarantee before 2026-02-04. Get expert sizing, clear pricing upfront, and fast 24/7 service. Serving South Bend, Elkhart, Mishawaka, Goshen, Granger, Notre Dame, Middlebury, Osceola, Bristol, and New Paris.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For more than a generation, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has kept Northern Indiana homes comfortable. We are fully licensed in HVAC, with drug tested, background checked, and trained technicians. You get pricing upfront, priority emergency service 24/7, and trucks stocked for fast fixes. We service furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps, offer flexible financing, and back our work with strong guarantees. Local pros, clear prices, dependable results.