It is important that your home’s heating system works well and efficiently. This will save you money and keep you and your family comfortable during the chilly months.
In most homes, heating units are furnaces that use ductwork to circulate heated air throughout your house. However, there are other options for heating your house such as boilers and air source heat pumps.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are powered by electricity that passes through a resistor to produce radiant heat, which is then disseminated throughout the room. This is an efficient method of heating, but the cost of electricity can be prohibitive for some households.
The most energy-efficient electric heaters use a combination of technologies to keep running costs low. Precision digital thermostats, for example, allow you to set a precise temperature, ensuring that your heating is only on when you want it to be. 24/7 programming further optimises energy efficiency, preventing unnecessary heating when the room is unoccupied.
Other options for reducing running costs include energy-efficient electric radiators and electric fan heaters. For more detailed information on the types of electric heaters available, check out our helpful Electric Heater Buying Guide.
Gas Heaters
Like electric heaters, gas heat options are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Typically fueled by natural or liquid propane gas, they use burners to create heat that is distributed through vents. These units can be extremely powerful and effective in larger spaces, especially during power outages.
Gas heaters usually require a connection to either a natural gas line or propane tank. Many also require proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. While they can be a great choice for those that are looking for a quick and powerful heating option, regular maintenance is crucial.
When a gas heater is in poor working condition, it can release dangerous fumes that can cause headaches, weakness, chest pains, confusion, shortness of breath and more. If these symptoms are experienced, the unit should be turned off immediately and a professional should be called to assess the situation. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal in very rare cases.
Oil Heaters
Like electric baseboard heaters, oil space heaters use radiant convection heating to warm the air. They provide quiet and effective room-wide heat. They also have great heat retention and so can continue radiating warmth even when switched off, allowing them to save energy costs.
Unlike kerosene heaters, they don’t burn fuel and so do not produce toxic carbon monoxide gas during ordinary operation. Because of this they can be used indoors without the need for ventilation and present a lower risk of fire or injury than kerosene heaters.
The diathermic oil used in these heaters has two properties that make it a good heat reservoir; high specific heat capacity and a low boiling point (about three times higher than water). This means they can store heat for long periods of time while remaining cooler to the touch, which makes them safer to touch. They are also very compact and portable. Casters allow for simple maneuverability from room to room and the units don’t require fans, so they operate silently.
Water Heaters
Many households have conventional water heaters, also known as tank-type water heaters. These systems have a large, insulated tank that holds between 30 and 80 gallons of hot water until it’s needed. They are available in a variety of fuel sources, including electricity, natural gas, propane, and fuel oil.
These water heaters are the most common type. They use a lot of energy to heat and maintain the water temperature in the tank, even when no one is using it. This is called standby heat loss.
Newer, high-efficiency condensing water heaters funnel heated exhaust gases to preheat the water in the storage tank, saving energy and lowering yearly utility bills. Other features to look for include brass drain valves and glass-lined tanks, which reduce corrosion. The best water heaters have long warranties and low operating costs. They should be sized to match peak household water usage. This includes several showers, washing laundry, and dish-washing. For example, a family of four might need a 100-gallon tank or larger.