Choosing the right heating system for maximum efficiency
Getting the right heating system allows homeowners to enjoy their homes in better comfort. Getting the correct heating system also allows for maximum heat output that won't lead to filing for a bankruptcy. There are lots of different heating units available in the modern HVAC market.
Making the decision to replace or have a new heating system installed can be a bit stressful because not everyone is educated on the pros and cons of each type. It's important to know about a product before it is installed. Heating types:
- Furnaces
- Heat pumps
- Radiant heating
There are lots of different furnaces available for today's homes. A furnace is a device that accepts air from a home through a series of ducts and vents. The air is then stored into an area where it is warmed and eventually circulated throughout a home.
A majority of furnaces are powered through gas or electric sources. They can also be adapted to be used in conjunction with oil, coal or wood. Size also matters when it comes to a furnace because there's no need to heat a 2500 sq ft. home when some don't even own half of that.
Heat pumps are another form of heating. They come in two different types: an air source and a ground source. An air source heat pump utilizes warm outer air as a main source of heat. They are great for homes in milder and warm areas.
Ground source heat pumps are often referred to as geothermal heat pumps. They pull the heat from below a surface in order to heat a home. Installers of this form of heating often cite better energy savings as well as possible use of a water heater.
Radiant heat also comes in many different forms. It can be found in radiant baseboard heat, hydronic systems, and radiant ceiling or floor heat. This type o heat utilizes long metal units with electrical systems attached to the inside.
Each radiant heating unit is controlled separately through the use of a thermostat. The thermostat will not normally show the room's temperature though. They can be used as a primary source of heat or as a secondary form in colder portions of a home.
Depending on the area in which one lives, the best options for heating systems may be:
- Electrical
- Natural gas
Electricity runs through heating elements where the resistance causes heat to become generated and spread throughout a home or office building. The heating elements are usually contained in a furnace and in some cases a baseboard that's installed on the bottom of a wall.
Electrical service may need to be modified depending on the load requirements of the new heating system. A licensed electrician may be required for proper installation of a baseboard heater. Hiring an electrician will keep a home and family members safe.
Natural gas is efficient. The Annual Fuel Utilization (AFUE) indicates how resourceful the system is over the course of the heating season. A furnace with an AFUE of 95% will deliver 95% of the natural gas energy the home throughout the heating months.
Boilers create heat by boiling water. It is then distributed to other areas in the home through the heat exchange units. Boilers are available in various levels of effectiveness. There are the mid-efficiency boilers which have a AFUE rating of 85%. High- efficiency boilers are rated at a whopping 90%.
Modern heating systems can be very effective in homes. Modern systems are adapted to take on comfort control whenever an individual is not home. This is normally doe through a thermostat. A thermostat will learn an individual's particular desired temperature and set it for when they arrive home.
A home heating system, no matter how well it has been maintained will eventually wear out. When it does it need to be replaced. A majority of people find it much easier to replace their heating systems with the same type.
There are a number of options for choosing a heating system for a home. One can chose two separate delivery systems or one that can provide warming and cooling functions. Knowing which type of heating works best will provide the home and family with desired comfort levels.