Finding a Heating System That Works
When it comes to heating your home, you do have a variety of options to choose. Choosing between the various types of home heating systems is usually a matter of preference, budget, and available fuel source. You may also have to consider where you live. Do you live in an area where you experience harsh winters? In this case, space heaters may not be the right investment for you. Remember that knowing your choices in heating and what works for you will keep you warm during those cold nights. Let’s go over some of your home heating options.
Electric Heaters and HVAC Systems
Electric heaters can come in a couple of designs. One form can include an HVAC system where you have a combination of heating and cooling. This type of alternative tends to be very popular in the southern states. Because of the warm summers, having a central heating system can be a worthwhile investment. However, winters run mild in the south, so the heating part of the HVAC system is hardly used. Some homeowner opt to invest in electric space heaters. Although space heaters are good choices for mild winters, they can also be dangerous if they’re not used correctly. Space heaters should never be left unattended or on throughout the night.
Gas Heaters
One of the most attractive features of the gas heater is that it’s quite affordable. The price also depends on your local market and the type of heating system you have. If your gas heater is old or hasn’t been properly maintained, you probably won’t see the difference in costs. However, gas heaters give off warmer air and can heat the home much faster than electric heating. Gas heating is also environmentally friendly, which is another great benefit. Gas heat is reliable, and you won’t have to worry about electricity outages. Your gas heater will keep going strong even if the power goes out
Geothermal Heating Systems
A geothermal heating system works by using the energy found beneath the earth’s surface. This type of heating source can be expensive but is very energy efficient. The geothermal heating system is similar to traditional heat pumps. The only difference being that instead of harnessing the heat outdoors and pumping it inside your home, geothermal heat pumps will use water that is pumped through the ground to deliver heat inside your home. A geothermal system can also be used to cool your home.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump system can be used to heat your home, including your water. Heat pumps can use the heat energy from the outdoors transferring it inside your home. Even during the winter, you can still find heat energy in the air that can be used. The heat pump is better than your traditional gas or electric heaters. Instead of generating electricity to produce heat for your home, the heat pump just transfers it from one place to the other. Heat pumps can last you a long time if they’re properly maintained.
Wood Burning and Pellet Stoves
Both wood and pellet stoves are similar in how they work. The only difference between the two choices is that one uses firewood as the heat source while the other uses pellets. These alternatives in heating sources are reliable and affordable. Pellet stoves in particular burn a clean fire that’ll efficiently heat your home in the winter. Simply by pouring the pellets at the top of the storage, the pellets will be delivered to the burning chamber as needed.
Furnaces can Heat Your Home Efficiently
Furnaces are used frequently in the northern states and are reliable heating options that can heat your home in a matter of minutes. Because of their efficiency, you can rely on keeping warm. You’ll be able to find both electric and natural gas furnaces on the market. A standard furnace that uses natural gas as its energy source has an AFUE rating between 78 and 84 percent. They are also affordable and can improve the air quality inside your home. Although a furnace can be sold separately, they are usually interconnected with a central air system or HVAC system.
Fireplaces
Although many southern states do not use fireplaces to stay warm in the wintertime, they are still found in different homes across the northern states. Fireplaces are considered some of the best options when it comes to heating a home. They use firewood, which is a natural heating source, and can heat your home without the use of gas or electricity. This can cut your energy usage and save you money on your monthly utility bills. As long as you clean your chimney, vents and fireplace once a year, you should be set for the cold, wintry nights.