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Heating System – How to Choose One
Comparison Shop
Installing or updating a heating system in your home? When making
such a significant purchase, it is wise to fully compare your options
before making a selection.
The major types of heating systems are forced air, pumped hot water,
electric resistance systems, and heat pump.
Forced Air Furnace
In a furnace, a fossil fuel is burned to produce heat. Air enters
the furnace to provide oxygen to the burners, and combustion products
are vented to the outdoors in a combustion air stream, usually through
the chimney. The combustion air stream moves because the combustion
products are lighter than cold air. A fan also assists movement.
Low installation cost, fast heat delivery, and reliability make
forced warm-air systems a popular heating choice. The system is
versatile and lends itself to the addition of central air conditioning
because the blower and duct work can be used for both heating and
cooling systems.
Pumped Hot Water
In a pumped hot water, or hydronic, system, heat is produced in
a boiler. This heat is distributed throughout the house by hot water
that is pumped to radiators or coils in the different rooms. It
is not practical to convert this system to provide summer cooling.
Electric Resistance
A switch or thermostat controls electric resistance systems. Because
the cost of an electric resistance heating system is usually considerably
less than the cost of other systems, it may be a better value, depending
on fuel costs. Since these systems require no ducts or piping, they
are particularly adaptable for remodeling projects. These systems
are simple to install and can provide room-to-room temperature control.
They lack the hazards associated with fuel combustion and produce
no indoor pollution. These systems may require a larger electric
service to the house, usually 200 amps.
Heat Pump
Extracts available heat from one area (the heat source) and transfers
it to another (the heat sink) to either heat or cool an interior
space. During the winter, this device extracts heat from air outside
and transfers in to the inside of your home to heat it. In the summer,
the heat pump extracts heat from the air inside your house, cools
it, and transfers it outside. Heat pumps can be very energy efficient,
because instead of actually generating heat like a furnace, they
just draw heat from the outside.
Things to consider before buying a heat pump:
- Initial cost: Contact a professional to estimate the
installation cost of a heat pump for your home versus the cost
of an alternative heating/cooling system.
- Operating cost: Get an estimate from a professional on
the energy cost of a heat pump versus the cost an alternative
system.
- Payback: If the heat pump installation costs more than
an alternative system, figure out how many years it will take
your heat pump to pay back its higher initial cost with lower
annual operating costs. You can approximate this by dividing the
estimated annual operating savings into the extra cost you pay
for a heat pump installation. It's also important to estimate
the cost of repairs of the older existing system with the potential
repair costs of a new system.
- Service and maintenance: Make sure the contractor you
deal with is equipped to sell and service heat pumps. Ask about
an extended warranty program for your heat pump.
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