Warm and Cozy: Comparing 4 Home Heating Options

With the cooler months just around the corner, attention has turned once again to how to keep the home warm and toasty over the winter. Whether looking to replace and old system or just keeping the current one as efficient and smoothly running as possible, there are many different systems to choose from. Depending on one’s home, the climate, budget, and even things like environmental preferences, the type of heating system that will work best may vary.

What follows are brief overviews of four of the most common types of heating systems that will keep folks nice and toasty warm this winter.

Heat Distribution Systems (Duct and Ductless)

This typically refers to what are called forced air systems and are often fed by a furnace or a broiler. This is the most common type of heating system, with the use of radiators or furnaces. In older homes, ductless systems using radiators are quite common and in more-modern homes with basic duct work, the furnace is incredibly common. Both can be efficient in the right climate, provided they are properly serviced and maintained by professionals like Cydcom Services Ltd in Edmonton or a servicer near you.

Radiant Heating

This is a more direct form of heating whereby hot liquid or air is pumped through tubes in the floors, walls, and even ceilings. This provides heat directly to the people and things in need of heating. It’s a great way to keep floors warm in the winter too. Very little electricity is required to run most of these systems and they are highly efficient at transferring heat.

Active Solar

This is generally paired with something like a radiant heating system and is highly suitable for colder areas that receive a good amount of sunlight on a regular basis. Solar energy is used to heat liquid or air, which is then used to heat the home. This is a very environmentally friendly means by which to keep the home warm on cold days.

Heat Pump Systems

These are most suited for more mild climates. They seek to remove cool air and replace it with warmer air. Heat pump systems are much more likely to be found in warmer climates, or in homes with great insulation and minimal openings for the heat to escape through.

Regardless of which system you chose, they are all reliable and efficient ways to stay warm this winter. Depending on preferences, environment, location, budget, and more, the type of heating system that will best suit one’s needs will likely be one of the four types described above. While there are other ways to keep one’s home warm in the winter, the above stated are the most common, cost effective, and efficient means of keeping warm as the temperatures begin to fall.