4 of the Most Efficient Heating Systems
October 13, 2017Choosing a heating system for your home is vital for your home’s value, upkeep and for you and your family’s well being and comfort. If properly researched and considered finding the right heating source for your home can be simple and quick. If not researched well, however, you may have more than a few headaches, high heating bills, and possibly multiple installations. In this day and age, we have the luxury of choosing from many different types of heating – like gas, wood, geothermal, or electric. Here are some of the most efficient heating systems to keep your home warm and cozy:
1. Gas
Natural gas is a common, and popular, form of heating homes. There are several different kinds of heating systems to choose from. For instance, forced air systems, radiant water-based or hydronic heating systems, space heaters, and more.
The typical method would be the first–forced air systems. These come in the form of furnaces that use natural gas to heat the surrounding air. Cool air enters the system, is warmed up, and then circulated throughout the home.
Gas is a simple and reliable way to heat your home. It is often economical and can keep your home comfortable and cozy well into the winter months. With gas, however, there are some hazards and maintenance. If you decide to use gas in your home be sure everyone recognizes the smell of propane and you need to have a plan if there is a possible leak. You should also keep a record of the amount of gas in your tank and when you will need to refuel. This way you will not be without heat during a snowstorm or other possible weather hazards.
2. Wood
It may seem a little old-fashioned, but wood-fired central heating systems are still quite useful. Plus, they are a cleaner source of heat and also quite economical.
A wood stove, fireplace, or outside wood stove can be a good heat source for a small or open concept home. If you want to include a wood stove or fireplace in your home design, be sure you are well aware of the risks and maintenance required. First, you will want to be sure to have an experienced and reliable contractor install your fireplace or wood stove. From there you will always need to keep your stove or fireplace clean and clear of debris. This way you will cut down on fire hazards. Every spring you will also need to clean, dust, and possibly even wash your furniture and walls. This way soot won’t build up in your home, which can harm you or your family.
If possible you may want to consider using an external wood stove. This means the stove will be outside your home and then the heat would be piped into your home. This cuts down on possible fire hazards and cleaning in your home. However, the external stove will need to be cleaned and cleared regularly to prevent possible fires or air contamination.
With this method, you could choose equipment such as a furnace, a boiler, a wood stove or a fireplace. Wood stoves cost less and have fewer emissions, but they do not cover as much expanse as a furnace or boiler might. Boilers and furnaces are tucked away and give you more bang for your buck.
3. Geothermal
Geothermal heating systems use the heat of the earth’s crust to produce the energy needed to heat your homes. Systems absorb the heat stored in the ground by collecting water that circulates underground, concentrates it, then releases it into your home as air. It’s environmentally friendly, has plentiful potential, and can be built underground.
As you can imagine, however, this is one of the pricier means of heating your home. There is a considerable amount of work that needs to go into building the system itself, and the system requires proper maintenance. Although initial setup tends to be more expensive than other methods, geothermal heating does provide savings over time.
4. Electric
Electric energy functions similarly to gas heating in the equipment that is used (namely furnaces and boilers) but derives its energy from a different source. Electric is the alternative for locations with less natural gas available. Electric is safe and does not produce a lot of byproducts in the process. Electric is also generally quieter. On the flipside, electric tends to be more expensive and can have difficulty functioning if the temperature drops too low.
Using electric heat can be a safe and reliable way to have heat in your home. If you want to use electric heat, however, you should be aware that it could be somewhat expensive depending on your home and square footage. Be sure that if you’re building a custom home that it is airtight and offers as much open space as possible. This way heat will not get trapped in rooms causing you to crank it up or seal off rooms during the winter.
Each heating system has its pros and cons. With this basic guide, you’ll be able to decide which system is best for your custom home. If you’re planning out your custom home and you’re still not sure which system will be the best fit for you, contact Custom Home Group! Our team and integrated design/build process will ensure you get exactly what you want.