The winter season is just around the corner and that means it’s time to start thinking about how you will keep your home warm. If you are looking for a way to keep your energy bills low during this cold season, then you might want to consider investing in a new heating unit.
A new heating unit can be the perfect solution for those who are looking for an affordable and efficient way to stay warm during this winter season. In fact, by replacing your old heating system with a newer one, you could save up to 20% on your energy bills.
If you’re interested in finding the right heating unit for your home, read on.
Gas Heating vs Electric Heating
Gas heating is a type of heating that uses natural gas or propane to heat up a home. It is also called furnace-style or central heating because it usually heats the air that travels through ducts in the house, which then heats up the house. The average gas use for heating is 88.4 Gigajoules per year, and not all households rely on gas.
Electric heating is another type of system that can be used for homes and businesses. Electric heating converts electrical energy into thermal energy, which warms up a room by transferring heat to the air. In an electric heater, an electrical conductor such as a resistance wire heats up as electricity is passed through it.
Be Energy Efficient and Warm at the Same Time
Finding a heating system that will keep your house comfortable and warm during the winter, while also being energy efficient and easy on your bills sounds like a dream. However, with a bit of research and dedication, it’s quite possible. We’ll present you with the top three options to choose from.
Furnace
Furnaces are generally the most efficient heating systems, especially if you have natural gas. The furnaces heat air by using a heat exchanger and then push it through a duct system to the home. The warm air is then pushed around the home with a fan, through many vents on the walls. Furnaces are highly efficient and affordable, but if you’re installing a new one you must look for dependable local services to install it properly.
For instance, if you live in a big city like Ottawa, Canada which often experiences very cold winters, you should look for reputable heating Ottawa-based services to properly install your furnace. Also, make sure they offer additional services such as repairs and maintenance.
Heat Pump
A heat pump can be used as both an air conditioner and a heating unit. Its dual purpose makes it more efficient. The heat pump takes air from your home and removes the heat with a refrigerant. It then pumps the cool air back into your home. During the winter, it does the exact opposite, by heating up the indoor air and increasing the temperature in your room.
They are silent and excellent for air filtration. On average, a heat pump will cost you around $5,600, but it can go up to $20.000, depending on the type. There are three varieties of heat pumps: air-source, split-duct, and geothermal.
Heat pumps will also lower your gas bills, but expect an increase in your electric bills.
Heat pumps’ efficiency is measured using the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for heating and the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) for cooling. To avoid confusion and doubt, look at heat pumps that are Energy Star certified. This will ensure that you get one that meets all your requirements.
Boiler
Boilers heat up the water in a tank and then send it throughout your home in order to keep it warm. The good thing about boiler pipes is that they can go all around your house, providing warmth.
There are two main types of boilers: hot water and steam boilers. Hot water boilers heat up water, but not to a point where it boils, and send it through pipes as warm water to provide warmth. On the other hand, steam boilers boil the water to a point where it turns into steam and send it through your house. Once the steam liquefies again, it goes back to the boiler, and the process is repeated.
Boilers are more space-consuming and they can also be quite costly, and the repair costs can add up quickly if something goes wrong.
Bottom Line
It can be pretty expensive to keep your house at those comfy 68-72 degrees in the middle of December. Luckily for you, there are plenty of cost-efficient heating units that will provide you with warmth during the winter, while also keeping your bills from going through the roof.