As the mercury continues to drop, you might be on the lookout for tips on maximizing the efficiency of your home’s heating system. If you have an old heating system or if you are looking for a way to save up on heating costs, you might be on the lookout for a new one to purchase and install. Apart from conventional heating systems readily available in the market, today’s property owners have a few alternative home heating solutions that they can look into. Here’s a brief glimpse of these.
Geothermal
Geothermal heating systems utilize the earth’s temperature to increase the temperature in a home, making these an efficient and eco-friendly alternative. Unknown to many people, the earth’s temperature remains at a constant level, between 45 to 75 degrees, no matter what the season is. And because of this, it takes less energy to heat the home.
These heating systems utilize large coils which are buried beneath the soil. Along with these coils, the system uses a combination of water and anti-freeze liquids which run through tubes. This mixture passes through a compressor which absorbs the heat from the water and heats the home.
Pellet stoves
Pellet stoves function the same way conventional wood stoves do. However, pellet stoves are deemed to be the eco-friendlier choice because they utilize pellets made out of either sawdust or switchgrass. These fuel sources can come from lumber mills or may be planted in farms which have poor quality soil.
Another major advantage of this stove over its conventional counterpart is its efficiency. A pellet stove can provide sufficient warmth to a space that is sized between 1,300 to 1,500 square feet. On top of this, this stove has less emissions and is small enough to be carried and stored in any part of the home.
Solar
Solar heating systems are classified into two types. The first type functions by heating liquid using a hydronic collector. The second one functions by heating the air. Both these systems use solar radiation in providing heat. For homeowners who currently have a boiler or radiant heating system, their best option would be to choose the system with a hydronic collector. On the other hand, if you are currently using a forced-air system, you’ll fare better with the solar heating system that heats the air.
But apart from finding a suitable heating system, whether conventional or alternative, it is also important to remember that you can gain maximum utility from your heater if your home is properly insulated. A properly insulated home translates to efficient heating and can even prolong the lifespan of the system.
