HVAC Equipment

General Heating Considerations

Whether you are adding to or changing current living space or just needing to replace an old or inefficient heating system, there are many factors to consider in the process of selecting the right choice of heating system. Some of those factors include initial cost, installation and operating costs, efficiency and comfort of your home and air quality and safety.

Today there are a number of options to consider.  They include:

Oil or Gas Furnaces - These are the most common type of heating units and are designed to heat air as it is passed over a heat exchange unit and then blown back (with fans) into the home through air ducts.

Heat Pumps – When used alone, they are an efficient way to heat air in milder climates. They are designed to transfer the heat that exists within the air from one place to another, offering both heating and cooling capabilities. In northern climates they can be used in combination with traditional gas furnaces to achieve much higher efficiencies in milder seasons and the high heat performance in colder months.  

Geothermal Heat Pump – With this newer home heating and cooling technology, heat is taken from or deposited to the earth by use of a ground loop pipe. The EPA states that a Geothermal Heat Pump can save 30 to 70 percent on home heating and 20 to 50 percent on home cooling costs over conventional systems.  

Electric Heaters – Using a heating element to warm the air, homeowners are usually aware of the most typical style of this type of heating …the baseboard heater.  

Radiant Heating - Radiant heating is gaining popularity and is sometimes used as a supplemental heating option within homes and even outside of the home. It utilizes a system that involves cables or heated water in pipes and placing them in floors or walls, allowing heat to radiate from the surface. A popular use for radiant heat is in basement floors and tile floors.

Corn Furnaces – This “green” option uses corn, which is a renewable energy source (bio fuel). Corn furnaces are safe, clean, easy to use and less expensive to run than natural gas, oil and electricity.  

Portable Space Heaters – Can be a great option if you only need to heat a small space or room. Safety is something to be aware of though and you should always ensure safety features are built in including shutting off if tipped over and guards to prevent burns. Generally, contemporary space heaters are electric.