| A new heating system is one of the
largest investments you can make in your family’s comfort.
When it comes to choosing what kind of heating or cooling
system is right for you and your home, there are many factors
that need to be taken into consideration. Such factors
include: the type of climate you live in, your budget and
local utility costs, and the age of your home. Considering
these factors will help you select the best type of heating
system for you and your home. While the heating systems of
today are more efficient and reliable than ever before,
heating is still a major expense in most homes. Those living
in northern climates that experience more frequent and severe
cold weather may spend up to two-thirds of their energy budget
on heating alone. The cost itself illustrates the importance
of understanding what kind of system will provide your family
with affordable comfort. The different types of heating
systems to choose from are:
Gas and Oil
These types of furnaces provide your home with even heat
by circulating it throughout your home through ducts. This
circulating system is also known as forced air.
When purchasing these kinds of heating systems, be sure to
request “sealed combustion.” These specific types of furnaces
use outside air to burn the fuel. Not only does this increase
energy efficiency, but it also reduces the chance of
introducing dangerous combustion gasses into your home
Boilers
A Boiler usually heats your home by circulating heated
steam or water through a series of pipes and a baseboard or
radiator-type heat exchanger. Unlike a forced air furnace, a
boiler does not circulate air through the house, which might
make the air inside the home feel stuffier.
Where vaulted ceilings are involved, radiant floor heat is
more efficient and provides a warmer and more comfortable area
than furnace (forced air) heat. Instead of rising, the heat
remains on the floor where it can be felt underneath all kinds
of floor cover including: stone, wood, tile or carpet.
Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps are much more reliable than they
were 10 years ago. Electric heat pumps are an energy-efficient
way of heating (and cooling) your home. In places where gas in
unavailable or electricity makes the most economic sense, heat
pumps are your best option.
Electric Resistance
Electric resistance heating, typically found in the form of
baseboard heaters, electric wall heaters, electric radiant
heat, electric space heaters, electric furnaces, or electric
thermal storage systems is often used in multi-family
dwellings, like apartment houses. The unit has an electric
heating element enclosed in metal piping. The heating unit
warms air, which rises to the top of the room while cooler air
in the room is drawn into the bottom of the heater. Each unit
has its own thermostat, which permits different temperatures
in each room. Electric heat is often more expensive than heat
produced by combustion appliances like oil, propane, and
natural gas furnaces.
The cost of an electric resistance heating system may force
you to switch to either a gas, oil, or heat pump system. If
you already have a gas, oil, or heat pump system you may want
to switch based on the system’s efficiency and what measures
could be taken to improve it. However, because the pipes and
storage tank are already in place, you will probably want to
continue using your gas or oil heating system.
In cold climates, it is a wise decision to invest in an
extremely efficient heating system (about 95%), while those
living in a milder climate may want to invest in a system with
standard efficiency (around 80%). Your budget will also help
you determine which system makes the most sense for you.
The cost of a new heating system could be more than
$1800.00. In considering what system is right for your needs,
you need to decide on a type of fuel, a balance cost, a
reliable contractor, and a sufficient warranty. It may be a
good idea to ask a reputable dealer in your area to evaluate
your heating and cooling needs, especially if your system is
more than 10 years old.
To help you make the best decision regarding what kind of
heating system (model, brand name, heating capacity, and
efficiency) you should invest in, check out The Consumer Guide
to Home Energy Savings. This guide comes complete with charts
that allow you to calculate economical savings and energy
efficiency that will accompany various
systems. | 
