There are many options when it comes to types of home heating systems. In the past, little thought was often given to what home heating systems people installed in their homes. But, with today’s emphasis on energy efficiency, there are more and more considerations that go into most people’s decision about which type of heating system is best. If you’re in the market for a new heating system and are a bit confused about all the different types of home heating systems available, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll give you a brief overview in this article to help make you a more informed consumer.
Types of Home Heating Systems
There are numerous types of heating systems to consider. Heating systems can be powered by gas, oil, electricity, propane or solar power. In some cases, changing from one type of energy source to another can be a big undertaking, but in others, you can more freely choose between different options. Home heating systems also range from forced air to radiant heating and from central units to room specific units. Even within these categories, there’s lots to choose from.
What To Consider When Choosing Home Heating Systems
One of the most important considerations when you are looking at home heating systems, is the level of energy efficiency they offer. This will affect your ongoing energy costs during the life of the system. You also need to factor in the up-front costs and determine if the ongoing savings will offset any higher up-front costs (although you’ll still be doing your part to save the planet!). Also keep in mind what type of heating system your home is currently set up for and what it would take if you wanted to change it (i.e., from oil to gas or solar power). Finally, make sure that the type of heating system you are considering will adequately heat your home.
Review Of Various Home Heating Systems
There’s lots to think about when you’re looking at home heating systems, so here is a run-down of some of the more popular system types to consider:
Forced Air Heating Systems
These systems work by heating air in a large chamber (typically using gas) and then blowing the air through ducts that travel through the home, using fans powered by electricity. Because the air is blown through vents in or near the floor, there can be issues where there is not always an equal distribution of heat. This is especially true of rooms that have high or vaulted ceilings, since hot air rises. If this happens, it can lead to inefficiency and diminished comfort.
Heat Pump Systems
These systems heat water, which then heats the surrounding air. The air is then pumped throughout the home’s ductwork using an electric motor. They are generally more energy efficient than forced air heating.
Hydronic Forced Air Heating Systems
These systems also heat water in order to generate heat. The water passes through a series of radiating units that heats the water and a blower then pushes air across the water in order to heat the air. The air is then forced through the ductwork of your home using fans. The same issues with comfort and efficiency exist with these types of home heating systems as with regular forced air systems. The main difference in these two systems is in how the air is initially heated.
Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems
These systems use heated water as well. Rather than using water to heat air that is then forced through ductwork, the heated water is distributed directly to the source through pipes in the floors or walls. Heat from the water then radiates throughout the room from the source of the pipes (the floor or walls). These home heating systems offer greater energy efficiency than many other heating system types, but they are more expensive to initially install. They do have some other benefits, so they are definitely worth some consideration. Radiant systems maintain higher humidity levels in the home, lower the incidence of dust that is circulated, and make it easier to separate different areas of the home into different heating zones. They can also be installed in just one or a few rooms without installing in the entire house.
Solar Hydronic Heating Systems
These systems work in a similar fashion to other hydronic heating systems except that the energy used to power the boilers that heat the water comes from the sun. Home heating systems powered by solar power can save lots of money in the long term on energy costs. They are, however, quite a bit more expensive to install initially, so there is a trade-off to consider. In addition to savings, solar powered systems are better for the environment.
