A good heating system can be the difference between braving it for the winter and cozying up without a worry. The problem is, there are different types of heating systems to choose from, plus you have to worry about choosing a system that’s properly sized for your home. This can all seem a bit complicated if you’re not a heating professional. Not to worry, though; a little bit of reading and some help from the pros can have you basking in a wonderfully warm home in no time. Use these tips to help you choose the right type of heating for your home.
Types of Heating Systems
If you’ve shopped for heating systems, you know there are a few different types of heating for your home. Each type has its own pros and cons. Some are more efficient than others, while some aren’t as difficult to install. The key to choosing the right type of heating for your home is assessing your needs and determining which one best fits those needs.
Furnace
Furnaces are the most common heating systems. They run on gas, propane, or oil. They’re also categorized in one of three ways: minimum efficiency, mid-efficiency, and high-efficiency. The high-efficiency models have a higher AFUE, which is a measurement of how efficiently a furnace converts gas to energy. You should also consider a furnace’s electrical efficiency, too, since furnaces use a lot of electricity to power their fan motors.
Boilers
Boilers are another heating option. Boilers work a bit differently than furnaces and can have a very different AFUE than furnaces depending on their age. This is because boilers manufactured after 1992 are required to have an AFUE of 80% or higher. By contrast, some older boilers have an AFUE as low as 55%. Regardless of fuel type, boilers require a combination of fuel and electricity to function.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that there is funding available for free boilers as part of a government program to help people make environmentally friendly home improvements, however, eligibility criteria does apply.”
Heat Pumps
As newer technology emerges, heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular heating option. Heat pumps work similarly to a standard air conditioning system—even using the same refrigerant—but they can also work in reverse to bring heat into your home. This makes heat pumps very efficient, which is one of the main reasons they’ve become a popular choice for homeowners. Heat pumps are rated using HSPF instead of AFUE. However, the rating system works the same way—the higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump is. The minimum HSPF for heat pumps manufactured today is 7.6. High-efficiency heat pumps often have an HSPF of at least 9.
Ductless or Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Ductless or mini-split heat pumps are also becoming popular because they can be installed in homes that don’t have existing ductwork. For homeowners who want a pain-free installation process, ductless heating is a great option. As is the case with a standard heat pump, mini-split systems can heat and cool your home.
Sizing Your Heating System
In addition to selecting the right type of heating, choosing the correct size for your heating system is also important. Heating systems vary in power and are designed to heat areas of a certain size. However, the size of your home isn’t the only thing to consider when sizing a heating system. You should also consider factors such as the quality of insulation, the windows, the number of occupants, and the overall design of the house.
To get the most efficient heating for your home, you should get help from a professional who’s familiar with Manual J and Manual D. Manual J is a set of guidelines for properly sizing an air conditioning or heating system for a home, while Manual D helps determine the size of ductwork. Of course, Manual D won’t be a factor if you’re having a mini-split system installed.
In Summary
Choosing the best and right type of heating for your home can seem like a daunting task, but it’s not rocket science.