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Home Heating Options

January 06, 2020 Home Heating Options

Whether you’re looking to install or upgrade your HVAC for the winter, it’s important to choose the right units and system. According to ENERGY.GOV, home heating can account for about 42 percent of your utility bill. Before making a purchase and installing, read our blog to consider your options and save money.

What types of home heating are there?

The main differences between types of home heating are what they use to produce and distribute heat. Residential heating systems use one of two methods to push warm air throughout the home: forced air or radiant heat.

What is the best option?

The best home heating system depends on many factors. You may gawk at the initial cost of a unit and installation, but first consider what long-term benefits you could reap from investing in high-quality, energy-efficient equipment.

Residential heating systems are rated using Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) standards to measure natural gas, propane, and fuel oil systems. Additionally, the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) is used to measure electric heat pumps. The higher the AFUE or HSPF percentage, the lower your annual heating energy costs.

You’ll also want to check on the availability of fuels relative to your area and consider market trends if you don’t want surprise spikes in heating costs.

Fuel

Natural gas and propane are common heating fuels in Central Minnesota, and coverage areas for natural gas are increasing. Safe, clean, and versatile natural gas is more cost-efficient than propane, electricity, and oil in most areas of the US. It can also be used to fuel water heaters and cooking ranges. High-efficiency Bryant gas furnaces, which can be converted for propane use, are available with 90 percent AFUE or higher.

Oil heaters can provide reliable and even heat distribution, too. Bryant oil furnaces are available with up to 90 percent AFUE and a multi-speed or variable-speed blower.

Electric

Electric Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use electricity and refrigeration technology to heat a home. In addition, they double as an air conditioner in the summer. Known for their efficiency as well as durable sheet metal construction, Bryant models come with features like remote access and environmentally friendly refrigerant.

Ductless Heat Pumps

Available as floor consoles, cassette, single- or multi-zone, or high-wall units, ductless heat pumps are mini-split systems with an indoor unit and outdoor compressor. Bryant units come with multiple fan speeds, remote access, dependable warranties, and convenient temperature settings.

Ground Source

Geothermal heat pumps use underground temperatures from nearby ponds and wells to heat a home. On the surface level, geothermal heating may seem more expensive because installation involves drilling into the earth to place loops of underground pipes. But geothermal heating can cut your energy costs in half and eliminate combustion-related or carbon monoxide poisoning risks.

Other Heating Options

Hydronic boilers run hot water or another alternative heated liquid (such as a water/glycol mix) through tubes in the floor or through wall radiators to provide radiant heat. Boilers can be gas- or electric-powered.

Another type of heating, electric baseboard, offers a radiant heat that uses electricity to heat up fins along baseboard radiators. Electric baseboard heating is installed by electricians, not HVAC technicians.

How do I know which heating system to install?

Trust Hanson’s for your home comfort this winter. We’ll help you choose a home heating system that will both keep your family warm and save you money. Our heating options feature some of the best models and warranties in the industry. It’s all part of our unwavering commitment to provide high-quality, dependable products and unmatched services throughout Central Minnesota.

Contact us to learn more.

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