4 Different Types of Heating Systems

When it comes to heating your home, there are a few different options to consider. Your choice is dependent on a few factors, such as how easy it is to access certain types of fuel, the climate you live in, and the size of your home. Here are four different types of heating systems to consider when planning your home’s heat.

Furnaces

Furnaces are a very common type of heating source in the country. A furnace is usually fueled with gas and distributes the air using a forced air system. Furnaces can also be fueled with electricity or oil. The forced air system blows the heated air through ducts installed in your home, warming various rooms. Furnaces are good for large homes that have a fuel source readily available.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini splits use refrigerant lines to heat the home, instead of ducts. They are good options for smaller homes that don’t have ducts already installed, or for home add-ons. Ductless mini splits allow you to zone your heating, too. This means you can control the heating for different rooms with a separate thermostat. They are also easier to install. Overall, ductless mini splits are very cost-effective and efficient systems, especially for smaller residences.

Boilers

Boilers use radiators to send the heat throughout the home. Water is heated and the heated water or steam travels through pipes in your home to warm the rooms. It is another common heating source in the US. Depending on the unit’s age, it can have problems with efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, water heating can eat up 18% of a home’s energy bill.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps can provide warmth to a home or cool it down. Instead of generating heat, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant lines to transfer heat. In the summer, they transfer warm air inside to the outside of the home. They turn it around with the help of electricity in the winter and bring as much warm air as they can from the outside of the home to the inside. Heat pumps are quite efficient, but don’t work well in climates that regularly dip below freezing. If you live in a more moderate climate, heat pumps may be perfect for you.

Whatever your needs, there is a heating system that can work for you. To learn more about water heater, ductless mini split, or boiler installation, contact the experts at Martel Plumbing and Heating. They were founded in 1926, and continue to offer neat and professional work to clients in Rhode Island. Take a look at their coupons page for exciting deals to use for your heating system installation or repairs.