You and your family deserve to live comfortably no matter what. In the colder climates and seasons, you expect to have a heating system that works. So, are you familiar with all of the different kinds of heating units?
If not, you’ve come to just the right article. There are actually several kinds of heating systems that you and your family can enjoy, outlined below.
Perhaps that’s why there are over 145,000 heating and air conditioning contractors in the United States alone. These well-versed experts can install or repair any kind of heating unit for you.
Make sure you have the right heating unit for your home. Keep reading to learn about eight different types.
1. Furnaces
This is one of the most common kinds of home heating in North America. Furnaces work by heating air and distributing it through ducts. These heating units use natural gas, propane, or electricity as fuel sources.
A thermostat controls the temperature of the home with this system. When the temperature drops, the furnace turns on and heats the air. Once the temperature reaches the desired level, the furnace turns off again.
Furnaces require regular maintenance to function properly. Change the filters consistently to ensure good air quality. Also, have a professional inspect the unit once a year to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficiency.
Newer models are more efficient and save money on energy bills. Furnaces can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. It’s important to choose the right size furnace for your home to ensure optimal performance.
2. Boilers
You’ve likely read about this heating system if you enjoy classic literature. Boilers are an old-fashioned heating method.
They’re often used in much colder climates. Boilers work by heating water or steam. This is then circulated through pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or in-floor heating systems.
Once the water or steam has cooled, it returns to the boiler. Here, it’s reheated and can then warm the home even more.
3. Heat Pumps
Heat pumps extract heat from the outside air or ground to warm a home. Heat pumps use electricity as their main fuel source.
A compressor circulates refrigerant between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. As the refrigerant circulates, it absorbs heat from the outside air or ground and transfers it inside.
Heat pumps require regular maintenance just like other kinds of heating units. Change the filters every so often to maintain good air quality. The great thing about this heating system is that it can also last up to 20 years in most modern homes.
4. Radiant Heating Systems
Radiant heating systems can seem a bit more complex. They use electric wires, hot water pipes, or gas-fired tubes to heat the floors, walls, or ceilings of a home. The heat radiates from these surfaces into the room.
Radiant heating is often used in bathrooms or basements, in particular. It provides more even heat and doesn’t circulate dust or allergens like forced-air systems.
Electric radiant heating systems are easy to install and don’t require ductwork. Hot water systems are more expensive, but they’re more efficient. Finally, gas-fired systems are the most expensive and the most efficient of the three.
Radiant heating systems require minimal maintenance. That’s a huge benefit since home improvement cost the United States $538 billion just in 2021.
Still, they should be inspected by a professional every few years. They can last up to 35 years if you take proper care of them.
5. Wood-Burning Stoves
This is another heating system that works well but might seem old-fashioned. Wood-burning stoves, of course, use wood as their fuel source.
They typically have a metal firebox and a chimney to release smoke outside. They’re often used in rural areas where firewood is readily available.
Take note: wood stoves require a constant supply of wood. They also need to be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup.
It’s also worth noting that they can be less efficient than other heating sources and require more work to maintain. However, they’re a good option during power outages.
Wood stoves should be installed by a professional and inspected every year to prevent chimney fires. One good thing about them is that the newer models are more reliable and produce fewer emissions.
6. Pellet Stoves
“Pellets” are made from compressed sawdust or wood shavings. Pellet stoves have a hopper that feeds these pellets into a burn pot.
Pellet stoves are similar to wood-burning stoves in that they’re often found in more rural areas. These stoves require less work than wood stoves, though, and are more efficient.
They also have lower emissions and don’t produce unwelcome buildup that needs to be cleaned. Modern models are more efficient and have advanced features like thermostats and programmable timers, too.
7. Electric Heaters
These heating units come in a variety of sizes and styles. Electric heaters are most common in small rooms or apartments.
One great thing about electric heaters is that they’re easy to install and don’t require a vent or chimney. They’re also portable and can be moved from room to room.
Electric heaters are less efficient than other heating sources and can be expensive to operate. They should be used in well-insulated rooms to maximize efficiency.
Talk with your professional heating unit installation service about this option. For more specific guidance, check out this article about why else you might need to hire heating services for your home.
8. Geothermal Heating Systems
This might be the most environmentally friendly heating option for your home. Geothermal heating systems use the constant temperature of the earth to heat a home.
They have a loop of pipes buried in the ground that circulates a water-based solution. The solution absorbs heat from the earth and transfers it to a heat pump inside the home.
Geothermal systems require a large upfront investment. Still, they have a long lifespan and can increase the value of a home. Plus, they can last up to 50 years.
Get Your Heating Units Working
Whether you need new heating units installed or old ones repaired, it’s worth hiring experts to handle this project. That’s where our team can be of service.
We specialize in helping homeowners like you have perfect temperature control all year long. Reach out to us now for the most reliable heating services in your area.