Winter has arrived and along with it, much colder temperatures. Maybe the heating system in your home has been in place since you moved in and you’re not sure if it is the best option for you, or you’ve recognized that heating your home is putting a hole in your pocket. Here are the different heating system options to help you find out if your current system is best for you, or if it is time for an upgrade so there will be no shivering indoors this season.
Boilers
Boilers heat the floor, walls, and air by circling heated water through a piping system loop. Electricity, propane, and natural gas can all power a boiler system and can distribute heat in a variety of ways. There are old-school steam radiators, hot water radiators, and hydronic radiant floor heating. Boiler systems are usually more expensive and costly to install, but are typically more quiet than forced air and can be more efficient than forced air systems.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps heat or cool your home by taking advantage of existing outdoors, underwater or underground temperatures. Air-source heat pumps are the most common, followed by the split ductless system and the geothermal system. While heat pumps tend to be more expensive than forced air or central heating and can be noisy, they will save you money in the long run because of just how efficient they are.
Furnaces
Furnaces, commonly referred to as forced air, are the most common system because while inexpensive, they are quite reliable. You may have an older furnace that needs replaced, and based on the current efficiency rating, it may be worth your time and money to invest in a new maximum efficiency furnace. A key factor in saving money with a furnace is making sure it is the right size for your home so it doesn’t overwork itself, costing you more in the end.