Did your home heat source just go kaput? With the average furnace lasting around 20 years, eventually, you’ll need to invest in a new way to stay warm. The good news is that you have lots of options.
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of different types of home heaters before you invest in one.
Radiators Remain a Reliable Choice
With this approach to home heating, boilers heat water that then travels through the radiator’s valves. The heated water helps to generate warm air in the surrounding space. Radiators are a good way to provide heat to large zones.
Freestanding radiator systems have a distinctive look with cast-iron pipes that can be hot to the touch. You’re more likely to see these in older homes in cold climates. Newer ceramic systems offer a more efficient approach.
In a similar vein, radiant heating uses coils to carry heated water beneath your floors. You’ll keep your toes warm on chilly days! But if radiant heating is not already installed, you’ll need to rip out your existing floors to add it.
Go with a Gas-Powered Furnace
A furnace moves heated air through a home via air ducts. This component of an HVAC system can use propane or electricity as its fuel source. But gas is more common.
Why do people like furnaces? That same ductwork can be used to cool your home with an AC unit during the summer months.
Turn to Pellet Stoves for Warmth
As another option, look into pellet stoves for a cozy and effective heat source. These stoves heat compressed wood to generate heat. Use them as a greener way to keep your entire house warm.
If you have a dormant fireplace, place a pellet stove there. You’ll gain a charming accent piece that only requires access to an electrical outlet. Pellet stove dealers can help guide you to the right choice.
Heat Pumps Are Another Option
Living in a milder climate means you might not need a full-fledged HVAC system. In other words, a furnace or radiant heating might be overkill.
Instead, look into heat pumps. These devices will take warmer air from the outdoors and turn it into heat you can feel indoors. Heat pumps don’t create heat, they absorb it.
Use Space Heaters in Small Rooms
Do you live in an apartment? Then you might be able to rely on space heaters during the winter. Electric space heaters use fans to keep hot air moving through a smaller space.
You can heat a room for as little as $100. Plus the portability of these heaters makes them ideal if you don’t need to heat a large zone. Just be sure to look for heaters with an automatic shut-off feature to ensure safe use.
Learn About the Types of Home Heaters
Explore different types of home heaters and consider the scale and location of your home. Furnaces are a dependable heat source, but space heaters and radiant heating can provide an efficient solution. And if you live in a warmer climate, a heat pump might be all you need.
For more tips to keep your home in shape, check back for new articles.
