With winter fast approaching, it’s time to bring out the thick sweaters and heavy coats. But before you start planning your holiday events, you want to prepare your home for the cold weather. Studies show that this winter will be much colder than previous years.
If you still don’t have a home heating system ready, now’s the time to look into your options. Here are some of the most common types of home heating systems we have today.
Furnace
A furnace shares the same heating system technology used since time immemorial.
In technical terms, people refer to it as a forced air distribution system. It uses a furnace with a blower fan to push air through ducts. This then distributes heated and conditioned air throughout the space.
Although furnaces work with oil, propane, or electricity, most homes in the US use natural gas. As your air conditioner shares the same ductwork as a gas furnace, you can use it in summer, too. However, natural gas poses a high risk of flammability.
Propane has a narrower flammability range and is cheaper than other fuel sources. Note that propane prices can change during this time.
Boilers
Boilers are an efficient home heating system that many households use. Often, these are common in old houses and apartments. However, it can limit your furniture placement, and the radiators can look out of place.
This home heating system uses a central boiler that sends hot steam or water through pipes. If you want to keep a specific spot in your house warm, this is the best option.
Like a furnace, a boiler works with oil, propane, natural gas, and electricity.
Electric Resistance Heating Systems
If you need a portable heating system, consider buying an electric heater. Instead of distributing heat through the air, the equipment warms the objects in the room. They are easy and inexpensive to install, too.
In addition, electric heaters don’t need ductwork or any other equipment.
The problem is this kind of heater consumes a lot of electricity. Rather than a primary system, you can use it as supplemental home heating.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use refrigerant and electricity. It extracts heat from the air and transfers it.
Another good thing about heat pumps is they allow you to control the temperature per room. When heating a house, you can set different conditions in other spaces. However, this kind of heating system only works in moderate climates.
When preparing for winter, use heat pumps as an extra home heating system. You never need to worry about your bill as they move heat.
Baseboard Heater
Another home heating add-on is the baseboard heater. This uses a central boiler to heat water that travels through the pipes to the baseboard heating units. A baseboard heater raises the heated air and pushes the cold air down for heating.
What Are Your Home Heating System Options?
These are the different types of home heating systems. With an effective heater, you can protect yourself from the cold season and enjoy a warm winter with your loved ones.
Now that you’re set for winter, it’s time to start holiday planning. Check out our other blog posts for some fun ideas to do this winter with your family!
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