If your current furnace is getting old, you may be considering replacing it with a newer model. However, you don't have to stick with the same heating system you've always used. Check out these three common energy-efficient heating solutions, and see if one of them is a better solution for your home heating needs. Check it out!
Radiant Heating
If you've ever used a radiator before, you've experienced radiant heat. Radiant heat systems use either water or electricity to heat your home. Instead of using a radiator, however, these systems usually have water-filled pipes or electric coils installed under the floor, which create an extremely even heat. Water-based radiant heat is an incredibly energy-efficient option, but electric systems use a lot of energy, which could increase your energy costs.
While radiant heat creates even heat, the temperature it provides can't get as high as with a furnace, but you definitely won't be cold. It also takes longer to heat the area (about one hour). Because the floor needs to be removed and replaced to install the coils or tubes, installation can be expensive. Last, radiant heat doesn't offer sufficient cooling, so you'll still need a backup system for cooling if you live in a hot climate.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is another energy efficient option, and more and more people are discovering the benefits of heat pumps. Heat pumps work by transferring heat instead of burning fuel. Basically, the system pulls hot air from the outside air or ground and pumps it into your home. Some heat pumps are ductless and others can transfer heat via your existing ductwork. However, choosing to use a heat pump via the ductwork can reduce the efficiency. Ducts are notorious for having small gaps and holes through which air escapes.
The nice thing about heat pumps is that they can work in reverse to cool your home during the summer. Instead of pulling hot air from outside, the system pulls cold air from outside and pushes it into your home. Similarly, it pumps hot air out of your home. Heat pumps are not as efficient as furnaces and central air conditioners, and they are best in moderate climates. You may still want a backup furnace if your area seems extremely cold winter days.
Solar Heating
Solar heating is the most energy-efficient option available, and there are actually two different types of solar heating options: active and passive. For existing homes, active solar heating is the better of the two choices. With active solar heating, you'll have liquid-filled batch collectors, which gather free energy from the sun. Most commonly, this liquid is then used to heat your home via radiant heat, which generates the same advantages and disadvantages as radiant heating, except it's even more energy efficient.
Passive solar heating isn't something you can add to an existing home. You'll need to build your home from scratch. However, the energy-saving benefits are amazing when passive solar heating is done correctly. Passive solar heating uses every aspect of the home to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The location of your house, the positioning of the windows, the building materials and features of the house (such as a Trombe wall, sunroom, etc.) all work together to allow heat from the sun to enter the house during the winter and block it during the summer.
A forced-air furnace is the most effective and fastest way to heat your home, but radiant heating, heat pumps and solar heating offer energy-efficient benefits that will save you money each month on your heating costs. For more information about energy-efficient heating options or to request a quote, contact a specialist in your area today.
