Alternative Heating Methods For Your Home
Keeping your house warm and cozy during the winter can prove to be quite challenging, with the most worrisome being on whether the heating system you already have is efficient or not. The rise in concern for the environment and the rise of energy costs have many homeowners looking for alternative sources of heat for their homes.
If you're looking for a heating method that better suits your needs and your family's too, then you have probably been wondering what kind of choices there are on the market. Here are some alternative heating sources that are sure to keep your home toasty while helping you save on energy costs. So, if you don’t prefer using electric space heating appliances, you can choose some of these alternatives.
SOLAR HEATING
According to popular belief, solar heating is for homeowners with big homes and a big budget. You might want to reconsider that because solar heating systems are becoming more popular and affordable by the day,
There are two types of solar heating :
Passive solar heating - This system collects heat from the sun through windows and skylights. The heat is then retained and released through heat-storing systems like absorbers(floor coverings) and thermal mass(the floor and wall). Passive solar heating can also be used as a supplement to your standard heating system, which in turn saves on energy use and cost.
Active solar heating - This system uses the sun’s energy to heat liquid or air that is in collectors mounted outside the home (preferably on the roof). The heat is then transferred into the house via a forced-air system or a radiant heating system. Though uncommon, active solar heating is also a great supplement to your standard heating system.
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
Geothermal heat pumps use the heat stored beneath the earth's surface to heat and cool homes. Compared to gas and oil furnaces, geothermal heating is more efficient by at least 48% and 75% respectively. The system operates very quietly and heating the home evenly, meaning that you will not have to deal with any hot or cold spots. It is very cheap to maintain because only the heat pump’s air filter requires constant changing.
The price of installing a geothermal heating system can be quite high. However, the US Department Of Energy (DOE) estimates that the geothermal system will cover the cost difference in about 5-10 years.
OIL FURNACES
Oil furnaces are the best alternative source of heating for areas with limited access to natural gas, and they are cheaper than natural gas furnaces. In comparison, using natural gas is more efficient than using oil to heat your home. But on the bright side, as a homeowner, you have the option to burn biofuel in your oil system to reduce pollution and energy cost. Oil furnaces also produce more heat compared to other heat sources.
PELLET STOVES
Pellet stoves burn compressed wood or biomass pellets to heat your home. They burn clean, are more efficient and powerful enough to heat an entire home. Compared to electric, oil, and propane-fueled heating appliances, pellet stoves are less expensive to operate.
Pellet stoves are the perfect choice for homeowners who prefer an eco-friendly environment because they burn renewable fuel.
They are easy to install and maintain. They produce very little ash, and chimney creosote from them is almost non-existent. However, on the downside, they require more attention that other heating apparatus. The pellets have to be constantly checked, and the whole stove has to be professionally cleaned often.
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING (RFH)
Radiant floor heating means installing heating coils or water-heated tubes under the floors of your home. An RFH system is perfect because the heat from the floor warms everything it is in contact with then radiates through the room from bottom to top.
Apart from uniformly heating your home, they are more economical to have compared to furnaces. The DOE also estimates that owning an RFH system can cut your energy costs by 25%-50%.
Choose your preferred heating system with the infrastructure of your home in mind. You should also consider whether you want the new system as a supplement to your existing heating system or as a replacement. Your budget is also essential, so plan accordingly.
Keep all these in mind, and you will find your perfect alternate heating system in no time.
