Winter is coming. When the temperature outside drops to unsafe levels, it is nice to know that you can seek protection in a warm home. Currently, there is a lot of technology available to help you heat your home.
Since home heating is something you only think about every decade or so, you may not know the available options for heating your home. Below are some of the choices you can consider.
Forced-Air Systems
Some homeowners prefer the even and gradual heating created by radiant heating systems. However, forced-air heaters, like furnaces, are the most popular way to heat a home. If you are thinking about using a heat pump or a furnace in your home, there are some things you should consider.
Forced-air heating systems are affordable to purchase when compared to the cost of radiant heating systems. They are cheaper to install and usually have a more straightforward installation process. Installing ductwork does take time, and it can be tricky. However, installing ductwork is child’s play when compared to the installation of floor hydronic heating systems. If you already have the ductwork for a central AC system, your forced-air heating system can share that ductwork.
Radiant heating is a slower process. However, forced-air heating heats the air directly. That heated air is distributed throughout the home. Radiant heating is more even and sticks around longer. However, if you want to heat your home quickly, few things beat forced-air distribution.
Radiant Heating
It is generally agreed that few technologies offer the same feeling as radiant heating when it comes to keeping your home comfortable and warm during the winter. Radiant heating of one type or another is not new. It was used by the Romans centuries ago.
Most people agree that radiant heating outperforms other heating methods. It delivers a quality heating experience that forced-air heating never can. Radiant heating is quiet and creates an all-encompassing feeling of warmth. It is 25% more efficient than forced-air heating. However, radiant heating is not perfect for every situation.
To determine if radiant heating is right for you, you need to think about the design of your home. When radiant heating is installed underneath the floor, the panels deliver warmth to every square inch of the house. No matter where you go in your home, you are always going to get the same temperature.
It is different than forced-air heating. HVAC systems use a start-and-stop pattern. Hot air is pushed into the home. Once the desired temperature is reached, it stops. As the temperature dips below a set temperature, the system activates again. This leads to temperature swings.
Forced-air heating heats the air, so it quickly rises to the ceiling. Your head is warm, but your feet are cold. Radiant heat warms your whole body. Radiant heating does not create dust like forced-air heating does. This makes radiant heating an excellent option for homes where there are allergy sufferers.
This does not mean that radiant heating is the perfect heating solution. Radiant heating systems are difficult and expensive to install. It depends on a functioning boiler. Retrofitting or changing radiant heating is difficult, which will automatically increase the cost of any significant remodel job.
Fireplace
The flames of a fireplace create a comfortable atmosphere. Fireplaces come in an extensive range of styles and burn various fuels, such as biofuel, gas, and wood.
Fireplaces are efficient. Wood-burning fireplaces are inexpensive to operate and can be used to heat a large area. Biofuels are clean to burn. They do not require a chimney and are a green energy source.
Both gas and biofuel fireplaces can fit into different spaces. A gas fireplace is easy to turn off and on and offers instant heat.
Wood-burning fireplaces are the oldest heating option. People use wood fireplaces because they like the look and the smell of burning wood. They appreciate the crackling sound that wood makes as it burns. Of course, wood fireplaces require you to cut wood, purchase wood, and find a place to store it. Additionally, cleaning up a wood fireplace, cleaning the chimney, and starting a wood fire can get frustrating.
Gas fireplaces have a lot of the pros of wood fireplaces without as much maintenance. A natural gas fireplace is less expensive than propane and will give you about 5% more heat. A significant drawback with gas fireplaces is that you are limited when it comes to where you can install the fireplace in the home. On a positive note, the fireplace vents to the outside, keeping the inside air cleaner.
Space Heater
The use of indoor space heaters can be a polarizing subject. Some people swear by them. Other people feel that the risks are too high when compared to the benefits. Space heaters, when used appropriately, can play a role in keeping your home warm during the winter.
The biggest attraction point of space heaters is that they are relatively inexpensive. It costs less to run a space heater than it does to use your forced-air heater at the same temperature. You can use a space heater to heat only the room where you and your family are actually located.
However, space heaters have a well-deserved reputation for being a fire risk. The NFPA estimates that more than 40% of home-related fires are linked to space heaters. They account for countless burn injuries each year.
Modern space heaters have been designed to be easy to use. Manufacturers of newer space heaters have done an excellent job of minimizing the chances of a space heater causing a fire or burns. You will notice that the newer space heaters have an elegant design, making them easy to turn on and use.
Space heaters have not reached the point where you can turn them on and leave them unattended. You need to monitor them.
Finding the Best Way to Keep Your Home Warm During the Winter
This has been a brief description of some of the more popular styles of heating systems. You may not be considering repairing or replacing your heating system for some time. Still, it is good for you to be familiar with each style so that when the time comes to repair, replace, or upgrade your heating system, you know what will be the best fit for your home and your comfort needs.
The comfort of your home is our main priority at Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. We are here to offer services that range from minor repairs to complete home installations. Our team has specialized knowledge that we will share with you. We will help you choose the right option for your home. We offer a complete range of indoor air comfort solutions, including:
- Heating
- Light commercial HVAC
- Geothermal
- Air balancing
- Air purification
- Boilers
- Cooling
- Duct cleaning
- Ductless mini-splits
- Home energy audits
- Humidity control
- IAQ testing
- Indoor air quality
- New construction
- UV lights
- Walk-in freezers
Are you in need of the best heating and cooling service in your area? Contact us today at Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing! You can count on us for a full lineup of premium heating and air solutions.
