Deciding to install a new heating system from scratch, replace a non-functioning one, or upgrade to something more modern is a substantial investment. Since it will cost you a significant sum to get the best heating system you can afford, this choice should come after a substantial amount of research.
Careful thought should go into what type of heating system best suits your house and family’s unique needs. With so many heating systems available, the choice might seem overwhelming. However, here are some factors that should play a vital role in helping you decide:
Fuel source
The first way to eliminate a significant number of potential heating systems from your search is to determine your preferred fuel source. Heating systems are powered by gas, propane, electricity, and coal. In the past, many homeowners have avoided systems that consume electricity as they are power guzzlers that drive an electric bill up each winter. However, radiators that can be controlled via Wifi from Best Electric Radiators use minimal electricity and cut consumption down to a bare minimum.
New electric radiators from Technotherm, Herschel Select, and Elnur Ecombi are designed to be energy-efficient, unlike older models from many years ago. A contractor can advise you on which fuel source is most cost-effective. Your ultimate decision rests on the availability of fuel sources and personal preferences. Not all areas have domestic gas lines that provide LP gas to homes. The alternative is propane, which can be deadly if not used safely. Burning has been established as a major contributor to the air pollution ravaging the planet. Therefore, electricity might be your best option, especially when it is generated from clean sources. To save on your electric bill, you should consider using a solar power system to run your heating.
The house
Smaller heating systems cost less but might not be sufficiently powerful to heat large rooms to a temperature of your liking. Therefore, the square foot area of a room should play a vital role in finding the best heating solutions for your home. Most heaters and heating systems come with guidelines of the maximum area they can operate efficiently in, and you should adhere to these if you want to get the desired result.
In Addition to size, wall thickness could play a role in informing your heating choices. Thin walls and a lack of insulation allow heat to escape from a home, meaning that you need a more robust system to maintain the correct temperature. Rooms with large windows are also more susceptible to heat loss as glass conducts heat, allowing it to escape.
Climate
Your location could determine what type of heating system you need. If you live in northern states, winters tend to be harsher as they are located further away from the equator. Southern states still experience a distinct winter season, although temperatures do not sink as low as those in the north.
The colder your location’s climate, the harder a heating system must work to maintain a comfortable temperature. This should influence your choice when deciding on a setup that will warm the home as heating needs differ from one area to another.
Efficiency and technology
As mentioned before, efficiency plays a significant role in which heating system people choose. Efficient heating systems use less fuel and have a minimal effect on the environment. These factors play into people’s desire to cut costs and save the planet. Solar power is a growing trend to run a heating system at zero cost or carbon impact.
Technology allows you to program your heating system to switch on and off at specific times, meaning that you can cut temperatures during the day when no one is home and increase them later. Many systems allow you to do so using a remote or an app.
Age of existing infrastructure
Functional ductwork is essential for a heating system’s optimal functioning. Antiquated ductwork might need to be replaced to accommodate a more modern heating system.
Get a professional to assess your current heating arrangements and give you a realistic idea of how much work and money will be involved in installing a new system. Installation is not something that someone inexperienced should be doing, so allocate money in your budget to cover the installer’s labor costs.