Typical Heating Systems to Consider for your Home
Do you really know how your home is heated right
now? Most people don't even think about it. After all, they have a
handy dandy thermostat to control their home's climate for optimal
comfort. Thanks to rising fuel costs though, homeowners are becoming
more aware of their heating and cooling system and wondering how
they can save money on their energy bill. If this scenario applies
to you, it is possible to lower your energy bills.
Besides inspecting your home for obvious leaks in energy
(weatherproofing and sealing cracks, etc.), you can invest in an
energy efficient heating system. If your current system is old, it
is not running at maximum efficiency, particularly since heating
technology has come a long way in the past few years. The most
energy efficient heating systems can be found in radiant heat, solar
heat, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, forced air heating and even
hydronic heating. Basically you want to choose a system that you can
not only operate easily but also saves you money on your heating
bill. Here is a rundown of the different types of common heating
systems:
1. Heat pumps – This is a traditional system that is energy
efficient and can also serve double duty as an air conditioner. Heat
pumps use electricity but expend less energy than other electric
appliances. This is because the pumps draw heat out of the air and
its surroundings and transfer this heat into the home.
2. Forced air heating - Sometimes known as central heating, has a
main chamber called the furnace which uses gas, electric, coal or
oil to heat a metal compartment. Air is pushed through the
compartment to heat it and then pushed by an electric fan through an
air duct system and delivered to various rooms via vents in the
ceiling. This method is less energy efficient than others simply
because hot air rises and heat comes from the vents in the ceiling.
Therefore, heat pushed through the vents does not always reach low
enough to warm certain areas, causing drafts and cold spots,
particularly in homes with vaulted ceilings.
3. Radiant heating systems – Perhaps the most efficient of all
heating systems, radiant heating comes from the floor, releasing
warmth that rises to create a comfortable climate. A bit pricy for
installation, tubing circulating warm water or electric cables
emitting heat is located beneath the floor. It is a clean way to
heat your home and can reduce your energy bill by up to 40%.
If tubing circulating warm water is the preferred method of radiant
heat, a boiler is necessary as well. The boiler heats the water that
circulates through the tubing or even through radiators located in
baseboards.
Solar heating is another way to heat your home, although it is not
as common or accessible. Solar heating uses solar panels to harness
the energy from the sun and translates it into heat for the home.
Equipment and set-up can be pricey but in the long run pays off and
is great for the environment.
Whether you are building a new home or remodeling, consider the
different types of heating systems to invest in. If you can afford
it, choose radiant or solar heating systems as they provide the
cleanest, most efficient way to heat your home.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
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