There are a few different options available to pick from when it comes to heating systems. Find out about the many kinds of residential heating systems that are available, as well as which ones would work best for your house.
As the temperature outside drops, you may find yourself turning the thermostat up higher and higher in order to maintain your house’s warmth. Energy costs have the potential to be a significant yearly burden in areas of the nation with colder climates.
According to the findings of the United States Department of Energy, the cost of heating a home is higher than that of all the remaining systems. However, your level of comfort, your pocketbook, and the influence you make on the environment is not going to be the same regardless of whatever heating system you choose.
The following is an explanation of what to anticipate from the various kinds of house heating systems, as well as advice on how to choose the one that will serve your needs the very best.
Different kinds of technologies for distributing heat
First, it’s helpful to have a general idea of what goes into a heating system and how it operates before delving into the intricacies. There are three components to any heating system:
- It’s possible that a heat pump, boiler, or furnace is the source of the heat. The heated water or air is provided by the heat source, which is used for heating.
- The steam, warm air, or hot water is moved all over the house through the heating system’s distribution system, which may be called the heat distribution system.
- The thermostat, which is what usually makes up the control system, is responsible for regulating heat distribution.
Centralized heating and cooling systems
The heat that is used by the central heating system in a house is first produced in a single spot before it is sent to the many other parts of the structure. Furnaces and also boilers are examples of the types of components that may be found in central heating systems.
Boilers
The boiler is among the most commonly found types of heating systems that can be found in homes across the United States. They do this by directing steam or hot water via the pipes that are already present in your home to the floor systems, radiators, or coils that are a part of those systems.
The amount of energy efficiency may be anywhere from 50% to 90%, but largely depends upon the age of the boiler. It’s possible that a boiler has a lifetime of anything between 15 and even up to 30 years.
Furnaces
The furnace is yet another typical piece of heating apparatus in homes. The operation of a furnace consists of heating the air and then circulating it through the ductwork in the home so that it may be used in various rooms. It is possible for a furnace to have an energy efficiency ranging from 59.5% all the way up to 98.5%. You can expect it to last anywhere between 15 to 30 years, depending on the upkeep that is performed.
Heat Pump Unit
A heat pump is able to properly heat and cool the home on its own without the assistance of any other appliances. These types of heating systems get the heat they need from the air in the immediate vicinity. The heating seasonal performance factor, often known as the HSPF, falls somewhere in the range of 6.8 to 10. It is not unreasonable to assume that the heat pump will last for fifteen years over its lifetime.
Heating from the sun’s rays
Systems that actively harness the sun’s energy to heat water or air are known as “active solar heating.” You have the option of using the heat right now or storing it so it may be accessed for later use. Solar heating (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/solar-heat#:~:text=s) systems often have a lifespan of over 20 years when properly maintained.
Heating with electric current
Electric heating is a method that transforms electrical current into thermal energy. The effectiveness ranges from 95 to 100%, and the lifespan of the system is over 20 years.
Heaters that are portable
If your primary heating system is inefficient or too costly to operate, investing in some portable heaters might be a cost-effective alternative. They’re cost-effective for heating a single room. Some space heaters heat using convection, which moves the air about in the space they’re heating. Some people choose to employ radiant heating, which is a method that distributes heat in a direction that is perpendicular to the source.
Infrastructure for the delivery of heat
Heating requires the circulation of steam, air, or water through the house, and this requires the installation of heating distribution systems. It’s not uncommon to see these kinds of thermal distribution systems:
- Electric baseboards are a kind of zone heater that draws colder air toward the bottom of the unit while pushing warmer air out at the top.
- The term “forced air” refers to a heating and cooling system in which air is circulated from the home’s furnace to various rooms through a network of vents and ducts.
- Heating is provided by hot water via baseboard units in a system known as hot water baseboards.
- You have the option of installing radiant heating with panels on the floor or walls. The mechanism transfers heat out of a warm surface to other locations, such as people or items.
- Radiators are used in the process of heat transfer in radiant steam systems.
Which method of home heating is the most effective?
Your choice may also be influenced by the weather in the region in which you reside. You may be able to get away with only using a space warming heater if the weather is warm throughout the year. On the other hand, if you live in an area that gets very cold in the winter, a heating system that is controlled centrally can be your best option.
Although a more energy-efficient heating system could have a higher initial cost, it might end up saving you money on your monthly power costs.
The amount of space that your house has is another important consideration. Before you decide on making a significant and perhaps expensive choice about your home’s heating system, you should seek the advice of an expert with a heating company, if at all possible.
Working with a heating specialist may assist you in making the decision that is best for your house. In order to get the process rolling, here are a few of the fundamental steps.
