Winters are round the corner and it’s time to assess whether our home heating system requires any upgrading. It is a daunting challenge as it would be a long-term investment.
Various options are now available in the market. These include boilers and furnaces, heaters, active solar heating, and heat pumps. In addition, a few energy efficient windows and doors, along with proper insulation and air sealing would go a long way in making the house comfortable.
The amount of heat required
This would be the first step of the project. The heating load of a house depends upon – climate, size and style of the house, level of insulation, air sealing, thermostat settings, and various operational factors like the amount of heat given off by lights, solar energy through windows etc. It can be retrospectively calculated from the energy bills.
Type of heating system
Gas (natural/propane) and electric are the most common heating systems. Wood is often used in the United States, but is impractical in California because of stricter air pollution laws. Solar heat is also used in some parts of the country.
Cost
The installation costs for an electric furnace is lower than that of a gas one. But overtime the cost of electricity might increase resulting in reversal of balance. Energy lost in providing the utility services to the home might be less for a natural gas furnace than an electric one. Electric furnace comes with minimal maintenance whereas gas furnaces require yearly cleaning.
The solar heating system is expensive to install but, in less than a decade, it can pay for itself. In 2009 California passed a law requiring the utility companies to buy back power from consumers who generate more power than they consume.
There are many energy companies offering fuel credits and cash incentives for improving furnace and air-conditioning. Some states provide tax incentives for such renewable power items as solar systems and wind machines.
This decision of installing a heating system will affect energy costs, comfort, air quality and the safety of a home for years to come. Hence due consideration must be given. Choose a proper HVAC company to do the job.
