Which Heating System is Best for Me?

There are several types of heating sources you can use to heat your home. The right option depends on your budget and how efficient you want your heater to be. In addition, you may also want to consider the cost of switching from one heating source to another.

Furnaces

The majority of American homes use a central furnace for creating heat. This system works by blowing heated air through a duct system to reach each room. With furnaces, you can use natural gas, electricity or fuel oil as your power source. Today, the best gas furnaces boast efficiency rates of more than 90 percent.

Boilers

Boilers are essentially water heaters that are used for heating a building. The boiler heats up water with a radiator or another device. Then, this water travels down the tubes to different sections of the home. As the water travels, it cools down. This cooled water returns to the boiler to be reheated.

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat involves circulating warm water in tubes. This warm water heats up the floor, which naturally causes the room to heat up. Radiant heat is extremely efficient, but it is costly to install.

Space Heaters

With space heaters, you can choose between gas and electric options. Most people think of electric heaters when they think about a space heater. This kind of heater can be plugged in anywhere, but it is expensive to use. As compared to other heating systems, space heaters take more energy to deliver the same amount of heat.

What is the Difference Between Gas and Electric Heat?

While gas and electricity can both be used to heat your home, there are a few differences between these two options. Since gas is typically cheaper to buy, it tends to be a more cost-effective way to warm up a large space. Gas heaters, however, are more expensive to install. Overall, electric heaters tend to be cheaper to buy, more expensive to operate and simpler to install. Unlike gas heaters, electric heaters do not require a chimney to vent any fumes.

Bottom line: Every home and budget is different. Weigh your options carefully. If you need professional expertise, don’t hesitate to call A-Temp Heating, Cooling & Electrical at (503) 694-3396.