Are you considering an investment in a new heating system to help you save on heating costs? Getting rid of an energy-wasting furnace can lead to significant savings. When you're looking for a new heating system, look for the heater's efficiency rating and consider a few other critical factors. Here's a comparison of some of the more popular heating systems available on the market today:
- Natural gas. A furnace that uses natural gas can operate very efficiently. Manufacturers now create heating systems that run at nearly 100 percent AFUE, which means they lose very little of the energy they consume in the process of generating heat. How much it'll cost you to run, however, depends on the price you pay for natural gas. In most areas, natural gas is an affordable option. If your furnace currently runs on electricity, you'll need to factor in the cost of making adjustments for natural gas as the energy source.
- Electric. An electric furnace also operates at a very high AFUE. In fact, you can purchase a 100 AFUE furnace; however, electric furnaces tend to be more expensive to run because of the cost of electricity.
- Heat pump. You can stick with electric heating and install an air-source heat pump. The innovative units seek out heat energy in the outside air, pumping it into the home for heating (and cooling). Because they don't generate heat from scratch, they're highly efficient. When shopping, look for a system with a high heating system performance factor (HSPF) and seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).
- Radiant. A luxurious type of heating, radiant heating is installed under the floor and often uses a boiler. Also called hydronic heating, it relies on conduction to transfer heat from the floor to people. Once the hydronic tubing system becomes warm, it stays that way for many hours. The efficiency of the system will depend on the type of flooring you use, the boiler, air or electric system's efficiency and the construction of the tubing system that facilitates the movement of the heat.
For U.S. homeowners, home heating is the biggest energy expense. It accounts for about 45 percent of their total energy bills, so it pays to update an energy-hogging furnace. Ragsdale Heating, Air, & Plumbing offers cooling, heating, plumbing, electrical, & maintenance services. Give us a call today to discuss the best heating system options for your home.
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