If you’re in search of energy-efficient options for your home heating system, you are in luck! In today’s market, there are a variety of different options that can provide you with a better home efficiency rating and save you a lot of money on your energy bill in the long run.
Not only are there units that function at a higher efficiency, but there are also things that you can do on your own to increase your home’s comfort during the heating season. To find which type of system is best for you, it’s essential to know about all the different types and weigh your options before deciding. Here’s a comprehensive guide to energy-efficient options for heating from JW Plumbing, Heating and Air.
- Many different types of heating systems are energy efficient, but they may not all be right for your home.
- It’s important to evaluate your options and consider your home’s size, your climate, and your budget when choosing a new system.
What Is High Energy Efficiency?
You’ve probably heard of high energy efficiency, but do you know what it means? Before you evaluate your options for heating, you have to truly understand how these systems work and how they save you money without compromising comfort.
Put simply, when a heating system is highly efficient, it will require less energy to heat your home. On the other hand, when a unit is considered low energy efficiency, it will require the system to work much harder. This not only strains the unit and leads to premature repairs and breakdowns, but it also costs you a lot more money on your energy bills in the long run.
Units with a higher energy efficiency rating also tend to be more eco-friendly. They don’t require as much electricity so fewer resources are being utilized when heating your home.
Types of Home Heating Systems
Several types of home heating systems offer energy efficiency, but they may not all be right for your home. Let’s get into the different types of heating systems and which will work best for you.
Boilers
Boilers are heating systems that burn fuel to heat the water or produce steam. Those elements are then pushed through radiators or radiant heat floor pipes to heat your home. This can be a great option if you are prone to allergies because they don’t blow dust and allergens throughout your home.
Types Of Boilers
While understanding how a boiler works is very easy, there are multiple different types of boilers to choose from. They all differ in what kind of fuel is used.
- Steam boiler
- Electric boiler
- Natural gas boiler
- Oil boiler
- Condensing boiler
Other Benefits Of Boilers
With every type of heating system, there will always be a variety of benefits to consider. Some additional benefits of boilers include:
- Provide an even distribution of heat in your home.
- They require fewer repairs and less maintenance.
- They tend to last a long time and are durable units.
Heat Pumps
Heat pump systems rely on electricity to function. During the winter they will pull warm air from outside your home into the home. During the summer they pull the heat from inside your home and transfer it outside. The dual function of heat pumps has made them a sought-after system for many homeowners.
Types Of Heat Pumps
When heat pumps hit the market in the 1950s, they were first used commercially. Ever since they were introduced, they have gained popularity quickly. Just like with boilers and other heating systems, there are different kinds of heat pumps.
- Hybrid heat pumps
- Air-source heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Water-source heat pumps
Other Benefits Of Heat Pumps
As we stated before, heat pumps have grown to be one of the most popular types of heating systems. Some additional benefits of heat pump systems include:
- They have a safe operation because they don’t produce carbon monoxide.
- They are usually very quiet when they are running.
- They provide more consistent heating in your home.
Furnaces
Furnaces are another common way that homes are heated. They work by taking in cold air, heating it, and then a blower distributes the air through the ductwork and vents and into your home.
Types of Furnaces
While most furnaces are similar in the way that they operate, there are different fuel types available for these as well. Depending on what power options are available in your area, furnaces are in the running as one of the most efficient ways to heat your home. The different types of fuel that furnaces use are:
- Oil
- Gas
- Electricity
- Propane
Other Benefits Of Furnaces
While heat pumps have grown to be a greatly popular heating option, furnaces are also among the most popular types of heating systems. Some additional benefits of furnaces include:
- They are generally reliable.
- They can increase the quality of your indoor air.
- They have a higher compatibility rating and can be used with many different fuel options.
Which Way Is the Most Efficient Way to Heat Your Home?
While each type of heating option has its benefits, you want to know which system is the most efficient overall. The simple answer is heat pumps are the most energy-efficient type of heating system. They also double as an air conditioner in the summer which might decrease upfront costs when you choose your new system.
However, they are not the best when it comes to extreme temperatures. During the very cold months, you might need to also utilize space heaters to keep your home warm if you go with a heat pump. If a furnace can keep your home warm without having to use additional heating units, then it might become more energy-efficient than a heat pump.
You’ll want to make sure that the system you pick will be able to withstand the demands of your needs throughout the entire cold season. Weighing these options and taking into account the area you live in and how the weather is can help you decide. You’ll also want to think about what kind of fuel source you’d like to use, this can make a big difference if you are in an area that is prone to blackouts during bad weather.
Points to Consider When Choosing Your Home Heating System
While choosing a home heating system, you might only think about whether or not it is energy-efficient enough. However, there are some other things that you should take into account before you decide on which one to go with. This can play a vital part in how your heating system is maintained and how well it functions.
- The size of your home: Make sure to know what kind of system is recommended for the size of your home. This can play a big part in how your home is heated. If you get a system that is too small for your home, it will need to work much harder to heat your home. This will cause the unit to strain and stress which can lead to component repairs or replacements.
- The need for smart controls: With the newer systems that are on the market, they can connect with smart thermostats. These smart thermostats can help keep your home at the correct temperature and reduce how much energy is needed to heat your home.
- Your home’s energy source: When these systems are installed in your home, you’ll need to make sure that they fit with what type of energy your home already uses. If you try to get a system that only uses propane or gas but your home runs on electricity it can create a larger job for you to get it installed.
Next Steps to Getting Your New Home Heating System
Now that you’ve learned everything about the different kinds of home heating systems and know that furnaces and heat pumps are the most efficient systems, it’s time to get started with searching for your new system.
The best thing that you can do is to compare different models and retailers to see which one has the best pricing for what you need. Though it may be tempting to go with the bargain option, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a system that will last and reduce your energy bills.
Once you have a new model picked out, you should speak with a professional on the installation process. This is not a job that you should attempt to do on your own. There can be many pieces that are needed to get this new system to function and be installed properly. A professional will have all the knowledge, tools, and experience to get the job done quickly and correctly.
The JW Plumbing, Heating and Air team is ready to help you get your new heating system installed and working for your home this winter. We are experienced pros in new home heating systems. Don’t wait till the cold months approach, get questions answered by our technicians today and get ready for your new system. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
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