Choosing the Best Home Heating Option for You
At least 32% of the world’s population lives in areas where the mean temperature is below 50°F or 10°C.
Since everyone has different needs from extreme weather to mild discomfort and urban to rural locales, so too home heating systems have different pros and cons.
If you’re having trouble navigating the confusing world of heating, we have you covered. Keep reading to find out the best HVAC system for the coming winter months and your specific needs!
Gas Furnace
Gas heating comes in the form of LPG or liquefied petroleum gas, usually made from a blend of propane, butane, and propylene.
As far as home heating, it has almost completely pushed out the traditional oil heating market, and for good reason. It’s portable and safe. That said, it’s not a renewable resource and it is subject to price fluctuation.
Heat Pumps and Radiant Flooring
Next up in home heating are some unique non-fuel options. Heat pumps are products that continue to become more popular around the world due to their high efficiency. Another perk is that they don’t need fuel.
During summer it blows cold air into the home, and in winter it blows hot air into your home. It uses a loop like a radiator and a compressor to heat or cool the radiator in front of the blower.
Heat pumps are very efficient systems, but for extreme temperatures, they aren’t the best option. Most models don’t generate heat; they only move it around.
Radiant flooring uses either heated water tubing under your floor or electric heating coils. It only heats the floor, but hot air rises so it does help to warm the home, too. It’s mostly considered a luxury addition to your home.
Renewable Options
Heat pumps and radiant heating run on electricity, so if they run on solar power, they’re also renewable.
Truly renewable heating systems base their function on renewable energy or fuel to generate heat. Examples include pellet home heating systems, wood stoves, and solar heating.
Pellet and wood stoves are similar but have important differences. Pellets are compressed wood pellets, and they give a consistent burning rate due to the processing. Natural wood varies in density and dryness.
Both are renewable resources, but they do cause smoke and need a vent. Pellet furnaces are replacing gas and other furnaces in many places around the world in an effort to have cleaner energy.
Solar systems either power electric heating options or gather heat from the sun to warm water. The water flows through radiant heating systems and provides hot water out of the tap.
Which Home Heating System Is Best for You?
All home heating options come with caveats. You may have to install a chimney or vent, ductwork, water tubing, or electric coils. You either have high installation costs for long-term savings or low installation costs with high long-term fuel costs.
This guide should definitely have helped you find your way through the world of HVAC systems and home heating systems.
Need more advice on a specific heating system or other home maintenance tips? Keep browsing our articles for more helpful insight!
