4 Home-Heating Options
Posted on: 2 April 2021
Your home needs a good heating system to keep you comfortable during the colder months. However, with so many options from which to choose, it can seem overwhelming. If you are in the market for a new heating source, check out these four common home-heating options.
1. Forced-Air Heating
Forced-air heating is one of the most common ways to heat your home because it provides fast, effective heat. With a forced-air system, as soon as you turn on the furnace, the air is heated and forced into your living space to bring you heat immediately. The heated air is expelled through vents, and these vents are usually installed on the floor, so the heat naturally rises to heat the entire room.
The biggest drawback to forced-air heating is the price. Because it is so effective at doing its job, forced-air heating uses a lot of energy, so you may see higher energy bills. In addition, a lot can go wrong to make the system less efficient. For example, if the ducts that transport the heated air become damaged, the system experiences more heat loss.
2. Radiant Heating
Radiant heating is commonly used in two ways. First, some homes and buildings use boilers and radiators to heat the home. Water is heated in the boiler and sent to various radiators that radiate that heat into the living space. Radiant floor heating is similar except there is no radiator. Instead, tubes are inserted under the floor. The heated water from the boiler travels through these tubes to heat the floor. Slowly, the heat rises to warm the rest of the room.
Radiant heating is a more efficient way to heat your home, and it provides an even temperature. However, radiant heat may not get your home as warm as forced-air heating, and you will have to wait for the room to heat up.
3. Space Heaters
Space heaters are a common choice because they are affordable. You can find space heaters for anywhere from $25 to $250. This makes them an attractive choice if your home's heating is broken or lacking. Some people also use space heaters to heat additions or rooms that don't have access to the home's heating system.
The main drawback to space heaters is the wasted money to run them. According to the Energy Department, if you try to heat your entire home with space heaters, it will cost you 43 percent more than if you had a gas forced-air furnace. In addition, space heaters should be monitored because they could pose a fire risk, especially if they are old.
4. Stove
Many people have wood-burning or pellet-burning stoves that help heat their home. These are great for smaller homes because the heat only radiates from the stove. It may also be a good addition to your current heating system, especially in a particularly cold room or a room you use a lot. Either way, you can save money because wood and pellets are incredibly cheap.
The drawback to using a stove to heat the home is that you have to supply the fuel yourself. With an electric or gas forced-air furnace, the city provides fuel. You still have to pay for it, but it's always there when you need it. With a stove, if you run out of wood or pellets, you're out of luck until you can get more. Plus, when you do have plenty of wood and pellets, you have to find someplace safe and dry to store them.
Choosing the right heating option is important, and it can be the difference between wasting money and saving money. While some options may seem more affordable up front, they can quickly become a money hole in the long run. If you would like to learn more, or if you are ready for a new heating system, contact a HVAC technician in your area today.
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