Heating systems for the home have evolved far past the traditional cozy fireplace to accommodate our ever-changing needs. It can take time to pick the right heating system in a sea of choices. Before you consider brands and prices, you need to know the types of heating systems to understand which suits your needs. Here are the five heating system options:
Furnaces
Furnaces are probably the most popular heating system choice for American homes. A furnace is a highly efficient, affordable heating system that provides fast heating. A furnace self-heats air and distributes hot air to your home through ducts. There are four furnace types. Each has been named after the primary fuel it utilizes.
– Natural gas furnace: It’s the most popular furnace choice. It creates more heat while consuming less natural gas, saving money in the long run. It’s a long-lasting, economical option. The major drawback of this furnace is that you need access to a gas line.
– Electric furnace: It’s the second most popular furnace choice. It’s an energy-efficient option that creates minimal waste. The major drawback of an electric furnace is the strain on your electricity bill.
– Propane furnace: It’s a cost-effective option. Propane is a pocket-friendly fuel that’s easy to find. The only drawback is that propane must be stored in tanks, which requires additional storage.
– Oil furnace: It’s most commonly found in the Northeastern American states. It’s a safer option because it doesn’t produce any harmful gasses. The biggest drawback of an oil furnace is the cost of fuel and maintenance.
Boilers
You’re more likely to encounter a boiler in older homes. While a furnace is a forced air heating system, a boiler is a radiant heating system. It warms your home by making self-heated water or steam circulate through pipes and radiators. When the water flows through these objects, it radiates your home with collected heat.
A boiler is cost-effective because it heats your home more with lesser energy consumption. It can provide even and consistent heating across different rooms. It’s generally quieter than a furnace.
The biggest drawback of a boiler is that, unlike a furnace, you cannot use a boiler’s resources for air conditioning. It’s also time-consuming and harder to install them.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is popular in places where winters aren’t too cold. Most heating systems use fuel to warm your home, but a heat pump doesn’t. It uses energy to transfer heat from outside to various parts of your home.
A heat pump is an excellent addition to your home because you can convert it to an air conditioning system during summer. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to use. It might be more cost-effective because you’re not paying for fuel.
The biggest drawback of a heat pump is that it might not be suitable for frozen winters because it can have an ice build-up that causes malfunction. You may have to make significant changes to your garden and buy new radiators for an effective installation.
Direct Vent Heating
A direct vent heating system works on the same principle as the heat pump. It pulls hot air from the outside using an air-intake system and expels it using an exhaust.
The most significant advantage of a direct vent heating system is its energy efficiency. It evenly circulates warm air throughout your home and prevents cold spots. It requires no fuel, which reduces exhaust cleanups and lowers costs. Its small size also makes it a good fit for smaller homes.
Electric Radiative Heating
Electric radiative heating is an increasingly popular heating system for apartments and smaller homes. It transfers heat from a hot surface to objects like floors, wall panels, or the ceiling.
The biggest advantages of an electric radiative system are its small size and low maintenance costs. It’s also a great option for people with allergies because it doesn’t distribute
The biggest drawback of this heating system is that it might not be economical to use as a central heating system because of the high electricity costs.
Wrapping Up
We hope this blog has helped you get a better idea of the types of heating systems for your home, their advantages, and their disadvantages. If you’re looking for an effective HVAC solution, you should call Premier Comfort ASAP! We’ll guide you along the way toward the perfect HVAC solution.
We’re a premium HVAC provider based in Brighton, Colorado. We pride ourselves on how much we care. We go beyond the standard HVAC provider. Our honest, courteous team of professionals works with you to find the perfect HVAC solution.
