When it comes to heating solutions, everybody is different. Some homeowners like the warm comfort of gas, while others prefer the dependability and affordability of electric heat. Still, others enjoy using alternative heating sources such as solar heating or geothermal heating. Let’s take a close look at four popular types of home heating technologies
Tankless Water Heaters
Also well-known as an on-demand water heater, this is very different from a conventional storage tank or tank-style water heaters, which are more widely used. Tankless heaters only work when you need them to – something that can be extremely helpful in times of high demand for hot water, such as after a long, hot shower. They usually include two heating elements: An electric element heats the potable water while a gas burner fires up to raise the temperature of the stored water at the same time. This higher setting results in faster recovery rates and less standby energy consumption. The most evident benefit of a tankless water heater is energy efficiency. Most models can cut down your gas bill by more than 20%. They also offer an endless supply of hot water to keep you warm and cozy. Also, No standing pilot light means there is no risk of accidental fires. They also give you an endless supply of hot water since they don’t lose any energy to standby heating as with tank units.
Tankless water heaters do not require a storage tank, usually associated with traditional gas hot water heaters. Instead, these units provide on-demand heating by using energy from the natural gas line or propane tank to heat incoming cold water before it reaches your home’s existing water heater. This can result in substantial savings on energy costs and is becoming increasingly popular in new home construction. Additionally, the lifespan of a tankless unit is substantially greater than that of a traditional storage unit.
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces are a popular heating solution for American homeowners. According to the U.S Department of Energy, “About 90 percent of all new homes in the United States have a gas furnace.” They’re a very affordable option since natural gas is one of the least expensive utility bills you’ll pay. Gas furnaces also provide consistent heat and work well with newer energy-efficient windows and doors.
However, there’s a downside to gas heat: carbon dioxide emissions from burning natural gas may contribute to global warming. An equally important drawback is that while most significant types of problems will trip breakers or fuses, more serious issues such as cracks in the heat exchanger typically mean shutting off your furnace completely until it can be fixed by a professional.
Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces typically cost a little more to operate. However, they have the advantage of running on electricity that doesn’t require buying new fuel. They’re also extremely reliable and easy for homeowners with even limited DIY (do-it-yourself) experience to install and maintain. Electric furnaces are also less polluting than gas furnaces since there are no carbon dioxide emissions from burning natural gas. The downside is that electric heating systems tend to be the least energy-efficient of all home heating options. And they’re not as well suited (in some cases) for homes in very cold climates where heating demand can exceed the capabilities of an electric furnace alone. Both gas and electric furnaces can benefit your home by reducing moisture levels, which can help to prevent structural damage caused by excess humidity.
Heat Pumps
Home heat pumps offer an affordable way of heating your home without the use of traditional gas or electric appliances. Heat pumps are quite similar to air conditioning units but work in reverse—they pull heat from the outside and pump the heat inside your home. This is called “reverse cycle” heating/cooling. During warmer months, the unit simply acts like a regular air conditioner to keep your home cool; however, it can also be used as a heater during colder weather turning water into steam which is then pushed through the ducts to warm up even the coldest places in your house. Because they don’t generate any carbon dioxide emissions, heat pumps are excellent choices for homeowners who want clean sources of energy that are friendly to the environment.
There is a downside, however. In extremely cold climates, heat pumps may not be able to generate high enough indoor temperatures for year-round use. Even if you may live in a milder climate, keep in mind that your utility bill will likely increase since heat pumps use a lot of electricity. One other disadvantage: it takes a while for heat pumps to get up to speed and reach maximum capacity, so it’s important not to turn them off until absolutely necessary.
