Winter is on its way, and that means it’s time to start thinking about heating your home. It seems like a simple task, but there are many things you need to consider when choosing the right system for your needs. How you heat your home is a personal decision, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choices available. Choosing a heating company is a critical step in the process. Making sure that you have the right people installing your heating system will ensure that you stay comfortable all winter.
At Pro-tech we aim to satisfy your heating needs by providing the best customer service and products available. Before we check on the options that are best available for you, let’s take a look at what heating is, and how it works.
A heating system is important to the quality of life in your home, so it’s important that you don’t rush into a decision. Before jumping into a costly decision, take the time to educate yourself on your options.
It’s a good idea to assess first your current energy heating needs. There are tons of things to consider when looking at your heating system, and it’s important that you answer these questions before deciding on what type of system is right for you. Some of these are the following.
Climate: Is there a big difference in temperature from room to room? Do your windows get direct sunlight during the winter months? Is your location in a climate that has four distinct seasons? Do you live in a region with extreme temperatures?
Space: How much space in your home do you have? Do you live in an open-concept house or one that has multiple levels and heaters on each level? Are there any windows facing another home? If so then it’s important to find out. Do your windows face the south, east, north, west direction and how much sun does it get in that area?
Household: How many people live in your home year-round? Are you looking for a system that will heat an entire house or just one area of it? What is the square footage of your home? Do you have pets or children who are old enough to stay home alone?
Insulation Levels: Do you have adequate insulation in your attic, basement, and walls? What percentage of the heat generated inside escapes through windows or doors?
Home Appliances: Do you have a gas stove? Do you use electric or oil heaters?
These are some of the most important questions to consider when choosing a heating system. Now that you were able to assess your current energy heating needs, you can more easily choose the best heating option for your home.
There are different types of home heating systems available in the market today. Let’s get to know them better so we can help you make the right choice.
Central Heating System (Ducted System)
A ducted heating system is a central furnace that heats the air in your home by warming up gas or oil before it enters the vents. The heat from this system can be adjusted to suit different areas of your home and can also generate hot water for use in showers, baths, washing machines, dishwashers, and more.
Furnaces are one of the examples of the Central Heating System. A furnace works by using the heat from a fire or electrical resistance to provide warmth in your home. These units are generally less expensive than other types of heating systems and work well for homes with tight living spaces, like apartments. A furnace is also good if you have an old home that lacks insulation or newer windows. This type of heating system works best when larger areas are heated, like homes with an open floor plan or those that have more than one level.
Another type of Central Heating System is Boiler. What it does is heat water for use in homes, such as hot water for showers and baths. These types of units don’t have anything to do with the distribution of heated air throughout your house. A boiler heats up a tank full of freshwater which is then piped into radiators or baseboard heating panels where it provides warmth. While furnaces heat the air in your house, a boiler heats up the water.
Lastly, Heat Pumps, much like the reverse cycle A/C units, are an electric-powered system that provides both heating and cooling to a home. They do this by moving heat from your air into your water heater or another outside unit in winter, then pulling it back out when needed for summer use without any harmful emissions. In the winter, the heat pumps take heat from your air, which is then transferred to the water in your home. When summer arrives and a cooling system is needed, the process reverses itself and cools down your house using electricity. Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are a relatively new system that is both cooling and heating on demand. They can also be used as an air conditioner, reversing the process of how it operates to cool down your home when needed.
Another type of Heating System is the Direct Heating System. This type of heating system heats your home by putting heat out into the air. Direct Heating Systems are typically used in homes that have a lot of space or on those cold winter nights when there is no other choice for getting warm. The Direct Heating System is typically paired with a Direct Vent System which directs the hot air from where it is being generated to areas of your home that need heat.
There are five types of Direct Heating systems.
The first one is the Gas-Fired Space Heaters. These types of Direct Heating Systems use natural gas, propane, or kerosene. Gas-Fired Space Heaters have a limited range and are best for smaller areas such as bathrooms.
Another type is the Unvented Gas-Fired Heaters. Unvented Gas-Fired Heaters also use natural gas, propane, or kerosene. These Direct Heating Systems are a good choice for smaller spaces that need heat such as bathrooms and small areas of the home because they provide warmth without needing to be vented outside. What you need to remember is the Unvented Gas-Fired Heaters do not have vents to release the heat and create potential fire hazards.
The third type of Direct Heat System is the Wood-Burning Stove. These stoves can be used in many different climates because they are more fuel-efficient.
The fourth type is the Electric-Powered Room Heater which heats up a room and does not require ventilation or ductwork. These types of Direct Heat Systems can be used in larger areas such as living rooms, kitchens, garages, and workshops. Electricity from an extension cord or power strip provides heat for these units.
Lastly, Fireplaces, this is the common type of Direct Heat Systems that is used in most homes. They are the go-to heat source for many homeowners on cold winter nights and can be a focal point to any room they’re placed in.
The last type of heating system Ductless Heating System. They are considered to be the most efficient type of heating system; they were designed for use in homes built after 1980. The Ductless Heating System, which was designed for newer houses and has become popular due to its efficiency.
There are three types of Ductless Heating systems. The first one is the Minisplit Heat Pumps. These units can be installed in a home without the need for ducts and are designed to move heat from one area into another.
The second type is Portable Standing Air Conditioner with Heat the installation for this unit is less expensive and easy. If you are not into Window ACs with heat then this is perfect for you.
Lastly, the third one is Window ACs with Heat, these units can serve as a standalone heating source if you need it. This is the best option for a home that is already heated. Easy to install, energy-efficient, and portable. Another great thing about this is that it is not as expensive and they do not require ducts to operate.
Now that you are more familiar with the types of Heating Systems you are now ready to make a decision on what is best for you.
If you are trying to find a Heating Company Brookfield WI. Feel free to contact us. Here in Pro-tech, your comfort and convenience are important to us. We are excited to serve you!