Hillsboro, IN Heating System Guide — Choose the Best HVAC

Estimated Read Time: 12 minutes

Choosing the best heating system for your house can feel overwhelming. If you’re weighing furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps, this guide breaks down how to pick the best heating system for your house with clear criteria, real‑world costs, and local insight for Montgomery County homeowners. Stick around for expert tips, a $69 tune‑up special, and free replacement estimates that can cut decision time in half.

Start With Your Home and Climate

Before picking equipment, match the system to your home. Crawfordsville and Montgomery County see long, damp cold snaps and freeze‑thaw cycles that stress older systems. Begin with:

1. Home size and insulation • Square footage, ceiling height, and insulation levels determine load. Poorly insulated attics and leaky rim joists force larger systems and higher bills.
2. Existing fuel and ductwork • Gas service and usable ductwork favor furnaces. Hydronic piping favors boilers. Ductless spaces are great for mini‑splits.
3. Comfort preferences • Even heat and quiet operation point to hydronic or variable‑speed heat pumps. Quick recovery favors modern furnaces.
4. Local utility rates • Natural gas is often cost‑effective in Indiana. Heat pumps shine when paired with off‑peak electric rates or dual‑fuel setups.

Pro tip: A professional load calculation using Manual J is the gold standard. Our local team begins every job with a home and comfort assessment to size accurately and prevent short cycling.

“We recommend HVAC maintenance at least once a year—ideally in the spring for your AC and fall for your furnace.”

Furnace Basics: The Indiana Workhorse

A furnace heats air and pushes it through ducts. Today’s options include:

• Fuel: Natural gas is most common. Electric furnaces are simple but cost more to run where power rates are higher.
• Efficiency: Look for AFUE ratings. 80% is standard. 90% to 98% AFUE condensing furnaces cut gas use and may qualify for rebates.
• Blower technology: Single‑stage is lowest cost. Two‑stage balances comfort and savings. Variable‑speed delivers the quietest, most even heat and best filtration.

When to choose a furnace

• You already have ductwork in good shape.
• You want fast heat during sub‑freezing mornings.
• Natural gas is available and priced well.

Cost ballpark

• Replace in‑kind 80% furnace: moderate.
• High‑efficiency 95%–98% AFUE with venting changes: higher upfront, lower utility bills.

Maintenance needs

• Annual inspection and cleaning keep heat exchangers safe and burners efficient. Our $69 tune‑up comes with a No Breakdown Guarantee through the season.

“Aaron was very helpful and explained the situation in great detail... I feel confident the new system will be more than adequate.”

Boilers: Radiant Comfort and Quiet Operation

Boilers heat water and distribute it through baseboards, radiators, or in‑floor tubing. They deliver steady, even heat without moving air.

Advantages

• Silent comfort with no duct drafts.
• Natural zoning for different floors or rooms.
• Works well in older homes with existing radiators.

Considerations

• Adds complexity if you want central cooling since ductwork is separate.
• Upgrades may require pump, control, or piping updates.

Best for

• Homes already set up with hydronic piping.
• Owners who value even temperature and low noise.

Maintenance

• Annual tune‑ups for combustion, venting, and safety controls. Early fall is ideal in our climate.

Heat Pumps: Efficient, All‑Electric or Dual‑Fuel

Modern heat pumps move heat instead of generating it. In our area, they are strong options when matched correctly.

Types

• Air‑source heat pumps: Most common. Inverter models heat efficiently down to low outdoor temperatures.
• Ductless mini‑splits: Great for additions, sunrooms, or ductless homes. Zoned comfort and excellent efficiency.
• Dual‑fuel: Pair a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles mild to moderate cold, and the furnace takes over in deep freezes.

Why choose a heat pump

• Lower carbon footprint and high efficiency.
• Year‑round comfort since the same system cools in summer.
• Attractive financing and potential utility incentives.

Watchouts

• Sizing and balance point matter. A poor setup can switch to costly backup heat too often.

“She was the fourth hvac technician we had come out... the first one who said they could service our system without replacing the entire system.”

Ducted vs. Ductless: Which Fits Your Home?

Ducted systems use a central air handler and ducts to deliver heat. Ductless mini‑splits use small wall or ceiling units to heat specific zones.

Choose ducted if

• Your ducts are well‑sealed and balanced.
• You want whole‑home filtration and humidity control.

Choose ductless if

• You have no existing ducts or want targeted room‑by‑room control.
• You’re finishing a garage, attic, or addition.

Efficiency edge

• Variable‑speed ductless systems often reach higher efficiency, especially for partial‑load days common in fall and spring.

Sizing: Why Manual J Beats Rule‑of‑Thumb

Oversized systems short cycle, wear out faster, and cause uneven temperatures. Undersized systems struggle on the coldest days.

What to expect in a proper sizing visit

1. Room‑by‑room heat loss calculation.
2. Duct inspection for leaks and static pressure.
3. Fuel rate and venting review.
4. Comfort discussion to determine staging and blower needs.

Our local fact: Many Montgomery County homes built before the 1990s can cut heat loss 10% to 20% with attic air sealing and added insulation, which may let you choose a smaller, quieter system.

“Tony was at our home today to check out the heating system, part of our annual maintenance agreement. Professional, personable, and thorough.”

Total Cost of Ownership, Not Just Price Tag

Sticker price is only part of the story. Consider lifetime cost.

• Upfront cost: Equipment, labor, permits, and any venting or electrical upgrades.
• Energy use: Efficiency ratings and local fuel rates strongly affect annual spend.
• Maintenance: Annual tune‑ups prevent breakdowns and maintain warranty coverage.
• Repairs and warranties: Look for solid parts and labor coverage.

Example scenarios

1. Keep gas furnace + seal ducts • Often lowest upfront cost with quick comfort. Duct sealing can trim bills 10%.
2. Upgrade to 95%+ AFUE furnace • Higher upfront, but gas savings stack up. Great for long‑term owners.
3. Dual‑fuel heat pump + 90%+ furnace • Best of both worlds. Heat pump covers most days. Furnace handles arctic blasts.
4. Ductless mini‑split zones • Excellent for targeted comfort and finished spaces without duct runs.

Hard facts you can trust

• Summers offers a $69 precision heating tune‑up with a No Breakdown Guarantee this season.
• Our team provides 24/7 emergency heating service for overnight failures.

Indoor Air Quality and Comfort Add‑Ons

Fine‑tune comfort and protect your system with smart upgrades.

• High‑MERV or media filters: Capture more dust and allergens without choking airflow when sized correctly.
• Humidifiers: Combat dry winter air and protect wood floors and instruments.
• Smart thermostats: Save energy with intelligent schedules and remote control.
• Zoning: Separate living spaces and bedrooms for better sleep and lower bills.

“Checked out our whole AC/Furnace system. Explained what he saw and seemed very educated... Offered advice for service and how to help maintain the system for longevity.”

Safety and Compliance You Should Ask About

Your installer should be able to speak to codes and safe operation without hesitation.

• Combustion safety: Heat exchanger inspections, CO tests, and proper venting are non‑negotiable for gas appliances.
• Electrical and gas line permits: Expect proper permits and inspections on replacements.
• Clear, upfront pricing: You should approve the full price before work starts.

What we do

• Licensed, trained, drug tested, and background checked technicians.
• Upfront pricing you approve before work starts.
• Dependable installation warranties for long‑term peace of mind.

Decision Matrix: Quick Way to Pick Your System

Use this to narrow your options, then schedule a home assessment.

• If you have gas service, good ducts, and want fast heat • High‑efficiency gas furnace, two‑stage or variable‑speed.
• If you want efficiency and year‑round comfort with ducts • Air‑source heat pump with inverter compressor, or dual‑fuel with a gas furnace.
• If you have radiant piping or value whisper‑quiet heat • Condensing boiler with smart outdoor reset control.
• If you have no ductwork or want room‑by‑room control • Ductless mini‑split, single or multi‑zone.

How Our Installation Process Protects Your Investment

What to expect when you choose Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling:

1. Free in‑home estimate for replacements with a full comfort interview.
2. Load calculation and system selection options, including good‑better‑best.
3. Transparent quote, financing options, and timeline before we start.
4. Clean, code‑compliant installation with permits and inspection.
5. Startup, calibration, and homeowner walkthrough.
6. Post‑install support with warranties and maintenance plan options.

“New furnace and ac setup... We love our new unit! We love the service call!”

Maintenance: Keep Efficiency High and Breakdowns Low

A well‑maintained system runs safer, lasts longer, and costs less to operate.

• Annual inspections are recommended. Industry best practice: fall for your furnace, spring for your AC.
• Change or clean filters regularly to protect the blower and heat exchanger.
• Schedule a tune‑up if you hear new noises, smell gas, or see rising bills.

Local reminder: When a cold snap hits after a thaw, frost can stress heat pump defrost cycles and push marginal furnaces to fail. A preseason check avoids peak‑season surprises.

“My heating went out and it was below freezing temperatures outside!! Called these guys late at night and they came out first thing in the morning... went above and beyond to explain how things work.”

When Repair Beats Replace, and When It Doesn’t

Choose repair when

• The fix is minor and the system is under 10 years old.
• Heat exchanger and compressor are in good shape.
• Parts are readily available and under warranty.

Consider replacement when

• Repair costs exceed 30% of the replacement price.
• The furnace has a cracked heat exchanger or the boiler fails safety tests.
• Your utility bills have climbed for two seasons and comfort is uneven.

Smart path: Ask for side‑by‑side 5‑year cost comparisons. Include energy, likely repairs, and any utility credits.

Local Insight: Montgomery County Homes We See Most

• Historic homes near downtown Crawfordsville often benefit from boiler upgrades or ductless mini‑splits that protect original architecture.
• Suburban homes in Lebanon and Thorntown with existing ducts get consistent results from variable‑speed gas furnaces or dual‑fuel systems.
• Rural properties around Veedersburg and Ladoga appreciate ductless multi‑zones for additions, shops, and bonus rooms.

Cities we serve for heating upgrades and service: Lafayette, Lebanon, Crawfordsville, Attica, Rockville, Veedersburg, Westpoint, Jamestown, Ladoga, and Thorntown.

“Two days later & after great thought on this noise issue Donald returned & resolved/fixed it, thus giving my mother her peace of mind.”

Special Offers for Montgomery County Homeowners

• $69 Precision Heating Tune‑Up with No Breakdown Guarantee. Call (765) 310‑3070 or schedule online before 02/04/2026.
• Free service call with any paid heating repair through 02/04/2026.
• Free consultation and free quotes for furnace replacement or new heating systems in Crawfordsville. Book now before 02/04/2026.
• Financing available, with promotional options including payments as low as $75 per month on select high‑efficiency furnaces. Call for details; terms may apply.

What Homeowners Are Saying

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Excellent job teaching and caring for my HVAC system." –Heating Customer, Crawfordsville

"Aaron is new to Summers and he serviced our furnace today. He was efficient, courteous, organized and a pleasure to meet. I feel so much better knowing our furnace is safe for the upcoming winter ! He did great!" –Heating Customer, Montgomery County

"Great service and Mr Bannon was so professional and courteous!!! . He got the. HVAC system fixed in no time." –Heating Customer, Lafayette

"My heating went out and it was below freezing temperatures outside!! Called these guys late at night and they came out first thing in the morning to help us out!... Tony was very thorough and informative..." –Heating Customer, Lebanon

Frequently Asked Questions

What size heating system do I need for my house?

A proper Manual J calculation is the only reliable way to size a system. It accounts for square footage, insulation, windows, and air leakage so you avoid short cycling and cold spots.

Are heat pumps efficient enough for Indiana winters?

Yes, modern inverter heat pumps work well in our climate. Many pair with a gas furnace in a dual‑fuel setup so the furnace covers the coldest days efficiently.

How often should I service my furnace or boiler?

Once a year. Industry best practice is fall for heating equipment and spring for cooling. Annual service preserves efficiency and keeps warranties valid.

Should I replace ducts during a furnace upgrade?

Not always. We test static pressure and inspect for leaks. Sealing and balancing can improve comfort and efficiency without a full duct replacement.

What warranties should I expect on a new system?

Look for strong parts and labor coverage plus a reputable installer. We provide upfront pricing and dependable installation warranties for long‑term peace of mind.

Bottom Line

The best heating system for your house balances comfort, efficiency, and lifetime cost. Whether that is a high‑efficiency furnace, a boiler, a heat pump, or a dual‑fuel combo, a proper load calculation and home assessment make all the difference in Montgomery County.

Ready to compare options side by side? Call (765) 310‑3070 or visit https://www.summersphc.com/crawfordsville/ to schedule your free estimate. Ask about the $69 tune‑up with No Breakdown Guarantee.

Schedule Your Heating Assessment Today

• Call now: (765) 310‑3070
• Book online: https://www.summersphc.com/crawfordsville/
• Active special: $69 Precision Heating Tune‑Up with No Breakdown Guarantee through 02/04/2026. Free service call with any paid repair. Free replacement quotes.

Get the right system, installed the right way. Enjoy a warmer, quieter, more efficient home this winter.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For more than 40 years, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has helped Indiana homeowners stay comfortable with fast, affordable service. Our drug tested, background checked, and licensed technicians provide upfront pricing, dependable warranties, and 24/7 emergency response. We serve Montgomery County and nearby cities with same‑day service, energy‑efficient solutions, and financing options. Rated 4.8 stars on Google, we’re proud to be 100% employee owned and committed to doing the job right the first time.