Types of Heating Systems - Pros and Cons

Types of Heating Systems - Pros and Cons

Furnaces
Most homes in the U.S. use a central heating system like a furnace to provide their heating. A furnace works by blowing heated air throughout the home through a system of ducts. It can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or fuel oil.
Pros - They are relatively inexpensive and their life expectancy is 15-30 years.
Cons - The blower fan can be loud

Boilers
Also considered a central heating system, boilers are special-purpose water heaters. While furnaces carry heat in warm air, boiler systems distribute the heat in hot water, which gives up heat as it passes through radiators or other devices in rooms throughout the house. The cooler water then returns to the boiler to be reheated. Hot water systems are often called hydronic systems. Residential boilers generally use natural gas or heating oil for fuel.
Pros - Easier to maintain heating only in rooms that need it.
Cons - Expensive to install and requires a minimum temperature to prevent pipes from freezing.

Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are simply two-way air conditioners. During the summer, an air conditioner works by moving heat from the relatively cool indoors to the relatively warm outside. In winter the heat pump takes in heat from the air outside with the help of an electrical system, and discharging that heat inside the house. Almost all heat pumps use forced warm-air delivery systems to move heated air throughout the house.
Pros - Can provide your home with both heating and cooling if you live in a mild climate.
Cons - Some types can be expensive to install.

Active Solar Heaters
Active solar heating systems use solar energy to heat either liquid or air and then transfer the solar heat to the interior space or to a storage system for later use. If the solar system cannot provide enough space heating, a back-up system provides the additional heat. Liquid systems are more often used when storage is included, and are well suited for radiant heating systems, boilers with hot water radiators, and even absorption heat pumps and coolers.
Pros - Can reduce your fuel bills.
Cons - May need a second heating source, which makes the initial purchase more expensive.

Electric Space Heaters
Portable electric heaters are affordable to buy, but expensive to use. These resistive heaters convert electric current from the wall socket directly into heat, like a toaster or clothes iron. Just remember, electric resistance heat is usually the most expensive form of heat.
Pros - Can be used for a number of distribution heating systems.
Cons - Can be expensive to operate compared to combustion appliances.

Common Furnace Problems to be Aware of

Common Furnace Problems to be Aware of

When the cold season arrives, many people call a professional for the same problems afflicting furnaces. By knowing what the most common furnace problems are, you can take the proper precautions to prevent them. But with the proper annual scheduled maintenance, your furnace will continue to run efficiently and reliably. Here are some of the most common factors to look out for to keep your furnace running in good shape.

Dirty filters
Dirty or clogged air filters can clog the airflow, making a furnace work harder to circulate. Sometimes a clogged filter can damage the limit switch which controls the fan.

Wear and tear
Normal wear and tear can cause airflow problems, heat control-related problems or even overheating.

Electric ignition or pilot control problems
A defective ignition or pilot could make it hard to heat a home or commercial space. Thermocouple problems, drafts or clogs in the furnace may result in an unlit pilot light.

Defective thermostat
A defective thermostat can lead to problems with the fan and/or temperature levels.

The furnace doesn’t heat at all
A furnace that doesn’t heat at all may have problems with the thermostat setting, power, gas or the pilot light.

The furnace doesn’t heat enough
In addition to issues with a clogged filter, a furnace may not produce enough heat if it’s the wrong size for the space.

Frequent cycling
Cycling between the “On” and “Off” modes may indicate a clogged filter, wrong airflow or a bad thermostat setting.

The blower continuously runs
Blower issues may be a sign of a problem with the limit switch which may need to be replaced.

The furnace is too noisy
Rumbling, squeaking and rattles aren’t normal. These sounds may be an indicator that the furnace may have a mechanical problem, airflow reduction or a clogged burner.

Check the circuit breaker and power supply
If the furnace stops working or the thermostat’s screen is blank, this could mean the circuit breaker tripped or blew a fuse.

Maintenance
It’s important to schedule maintenance for your furnace every year. At the end of the summer or beginning of fall, hire a furnace repair specialist to inspect and service the furnace. This will fix any problems that could cause breakdowns or expensive repairs during busy winter months.

Ignition control or pilot light problems
Ignition issues should be handled by a professional as it may be a result of clogged components or defective electrical components.

Mechanical issues
This is another problem that should be handled by a technician. Otherwise, you may void the warranty on the furnace or accidentally cause a larger problem.

Natural gas or propane problems
If you suspect there’s a problem with a gas valve, it should be handled immediately by a professional.

Which Heating System is Best for your Home?

Which Heating System is Best for your Home

In today’s age of advanced technology, it’s easy to take heating systems for granted. It’s been a long time since the wood or coal fueled fireplaces and furnaces were once critical for staying comfortable in winter in the winter. Having a good understanding of the different types of heating system will help you understand which one may be right for your home.

1. Mini-Duct Forced Air System
Also known as the Unico System after one of the companies who manufacture it, mini ducts are usually made for air-conditioning, though the system also can be used for heating with an optional electric furnace. It blows treated, high velocity air through flexible nylon tubing and out through vents. It can be very valuable for your home to have this system because the vents create little impact on the walls and framing. The tubing can be snaked through and around objects, avoiding many problems caused by large, solid ductwork.

2. The Modern Fireplace
The traditional fireplace can be updated and improved by using propane gas fire, and also using new types of inserts. Many attractive decorative, metal inserts for coal or wood fireplaces are made with optional matching mantelpieces. Electric heat inserts with faux flames upgrade the old fireplace without having to use any gas piping. Some fireplace manufacturers offer a variety of gas-fired inserts, which provide heat through power outages.

3. Hot-Water & Steam Radiators
These were common in the late 19th century and standard until recently, radiators provide a good amount of heat and are pretty easy to install. After the arrival of central HVAC systems in the 1960s, hot-water radiator installations began to disappear, yet the repair and refinishing of old radiators and the sale of antique ones became a thriving business. For residential heat, steam was used less than hot water, but both systems are easily repairable.

4. Radiant Heat
Hot water pipes embedded in the floor became popular after World War II, especially for slab-on-grade houses. Radiant heat provides comfortable warmth which is different from the fixed-point heat of radiators. Frank Lloyd Wright famously used radiant heat in his Usonian houses. However, those early installations were prone to leaks, usually because of pipe corrosion, and originals are difficult and expensive to repair. But modern radiant heating is much improved. Electric under-floor radiant systems are also easy to install under wood or tile floors. These are especially useful in small installations like kitchens and baths because they don’t need a separate powered heat source.

5. Forced Air
Forced-air heating systems also can provide ventilation and cooling, and for the past 50 years have been the preferred system in new houses. However, installing large, insulated ducts in an older house can be difficult or require giving up a lot of closet space. One solution is to use floor registers on the first floor with the fan-coil unit in the basement, and ceiling outlets on the second floor, with a separate unit in the attic.