| ting a new home heating system for your home | | | | heated steam or water through a series of pipes |
| is an important decision. There are many factors | | | | and a baseboard or radiator-type heat exchanger. |
| to consider, such as the age, size and layout of | | | | Unlike a forced air furnace, a boiler does not |
| your home, its overall energy efficiency, location, | | | | circulate air through the house, which might make |
| budget, and even your lifestyle. Do you want an | | | | the air inside the home feel dryer and stuffier. |
| integrated system that addresses your heating, | | | | With rooms with vaulted ceilings, radiant floor heat |
| air conditioning and air quality needs together? Or | | | | is more efficient and provides a warmer and |
| are you simply replacing or adding a new system? | | | | more comfortable area than forced air heat. The |
| Other questions include: What are the tradeoffs | | | | heat remains on the floor where it can be felt |
| between up front installation costs versus energy | | | | underneath all kinds of floor cover. |
| costs over the life of the system? Is it worth | | | | Heat Pumps |
| spending a little more now to save you a lot | | | | Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way of |
| more money over time? How will your purchase | | | | heating (and cooling) your home. In places where |
| affect the resale value of your home? What can | | | | gas is unavailable or electricity makes the most |
| you expect in terms of guarantees, warranties | | | | economic sense, heat pumps are your best |
| and ongoing service? | | | | option. |
| Here are a few guidelines that we hope will be | | | | Electric Resistance |
| helpful. | | | | Electric resistance heating, typically found in the |
| New Construction or Remodel | | | | form of baseboard heaters, electric wall heaters, |
| If you're building a new home or undertaking a | | | | electric radiant heat, electric space heaters, |
| major residential remodel, look to have a system | | | | electric furnaces, or electric thermal storage |
| custom designed to integrate your heating, cooling | | | | systems is often used in multi-family dwellings. |
| and indoor air quality systems. The architect and | | | | The unit has an electric heating element enclosed |
| engineer on your project should give you a wide | | | | in metal piping. The heating unit warms air, which |
| range of options and explain the pluses and | | | | rises to the top of the room while cooler air in |
| minuses of each. The relative economy of forced | | | | the room is drawn into the bottom of the heater. |
| air versus radiant heat may vary with energy | | | | Each unit has its own thermostat, which permits |
| costs. | | | | different temperatures in each room. |
| The different types of heating systems to | | | | Cost Considerations |
| choose from include: | | | | A new heating system can cost several thousand |
| Forced Air | | | | dollars. In considering what system is right for |
| These types of furnaces provide your home with | | | | your needs, you need to decide on a fuel type, |
| even heat by circulating it throughout your home | | | | cost, a reliable contractor, and a sufficient |
| through ducts. This circulating system is also | | | | warranty. It may be a good idea to ask a |
| known as forced air. | | | | reputable contractor to evaluate your heating and |
| When purchasing these kinds of heating systems, | | | | cooling needs, particularly if your system is more |
| be sure to request "sealed combustion." These | | | | than 10 years old. |
| furnaces use outside air to burn the fuel. Not only | | | | To help decide the best heating system for you, |
| does this increase energy efficiency, but it also | | | | check out The Consumer Guide to Home Energy |
| reduces the possibility of introducing dangerous | | | | Savings. This guide allows you to calculate |
| gasses into your home. | | | | economical savings and energy efficiency that will |
| Boilers | | | | accompanies various systems. |
| A Boiler typically heats your home by circulating | | | | |