An efficient heating system is essential to keep your house cozy during the cold winter months. In selecting the right heater, it is important to consider the installation cost, maintenance costs and power costs.
It is possible to select a unit which runs on propane, gas or oil. It is also possible to select one powered by solar. Most common are split-systems that include indoor and outdoor elements.
Thermostats
Whether it's in the workplace or in the home thermostats manage heating units by turning devices up and down to create an ideal temperature for the space. They achieve this by monitoring temperature inside and regulating the flow of thermal transfer fluid to ensure this temperature.
It may surprise you learn how much energy you'll be able to save by installing your thermostat properly. It is important to delegate the setup of any thermostat to skilled technicians, to ensure it is properly adjusted and calibrated for maximum energy efficiency.
Thermostats are available in a range of shapes and sizes, starting with simple switches for On/Off up to high-end digital thermostats that have settings that can be programmed. Standard models can be programmed to alter the temperature according to the night or day time, and advanced models allow you to modify the settings based on the time of day as well as.
Traditional mechanical thermostats react to changes in temperature via a bimetallic strip, or contact screw. If the thermostat is set to heat the inside metal strips extend and close an electrical circuit that turns on the heater. If the temperature decreases, the metal strips contract and the circuit is opened for the heater to shut off.
Line voltage thermostats are an alternative type of thermostat, and operate in the range of system voltage (usually 120 or 240 Volts for residential houses in the United States). They're often used to control fan-coil units within central heating systems as well as to control the circulator pumps used in hydronic heating applications.
It is possible to upgrade your existing Line Voltage thermostat equipped with an integrated "heat anticipator" to prevent overheating of the room.
Ductwork
The ductwork consists of a series of tubes used to transfer cold or warm air from your furnace into the air vents in the home. It's one of the main components in your heating system, but it's also a source of the most problematic. A poorly-sealed or leaky duct are likely to increase your heating or cooling costs and circulate germs as well as dust around the home. Your family could become sick and can lead to breathing issues in certain people.
It's also quiet and efficient, which makes it an ideal choice for those with children or elderly people. The ductwork system should be strong enough to last through the entire life of your house. A functioning HVAC system is not just important to save energy, but it will also reduce stress to your equipment and prolong its life.
Ducts are made of several types of material and each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you'll need to choose the right one for your needs. Ducts made of aluminum or steel are lightweight and strong and galvanized sheet metal is resistant to corrosion and insects. Fiberglass is straightforward to put in and works well into tight spaces is a well-liked choice. It may, however, not stand up to the heat or humidity, specifically in climates with high humidity.
When installing ducts should be done by professionals. They have experience with different kinds of ducts and can assist you to figure out the best size and placement of your system. Also, they can assure that ducts have had a proper seal. Beware of tapes with cloth backing and opt for foil and mastic tapes, or even butyl with labels that are heat-approved if you do the work your self.
Once you have your ducts installed In addition, it is important to set up the correct vents. It will make sure that your ducts don't get loaded, which will stop the air from becoming stale and cold. This can be a fantastic strategy to increase the value of your home as prospective buyers will know that the HVAC system you have in place and is in good condition.
Furnace
Furnaces comprise the core of any heating system. They can be powered by gas, oil as well as liquified Propane (LP), or electricity. They provide heated air via a system of ducts which heats vents throughout the house. Ductwork can be integrated into your home, or it might be run through crawl spaces and closets. The furnace you have purchased will start running once ducts have been erected.
The thermostat which sits separately from the ductwork will activate the furnace when the temperature falls below your desired temperature. The furnace burns the fuel until your home reaches the temperature you want, after that, it shuts off. There are different ways to operate, and the type of fuel you use can make huge differences in cost of energy.
Natural gas is used in numerous heating systems today. These systems are highly efficient and have a regulated exhaust pipe in order to minimize emissions. Other types of systems, such as heat pumps and boilers, can also be used for central heating, though they do not work quite the same way as gas-powered ones.
An electric furnace is designed similarly to a gas system, but has a lower efficiency rating. Combusting in electric furnaces is less purified, and the exhaust fumes must be controlled so that emissions are minimized.
In some areas in the United States where gas is priced higher than fuel oil, homes can be heated by oil furnaces. A typical oil furnace features a combustion chamber, heat exchanger, as well as an exhaust flue, just like a gas-powered furnace. Furthermore an oil-powered pump sprays fuel in the combustion chamber for it to start the combustion process. Much like a gas heater system, the resultant heating is spread throughout the house by the blower.
Your HVAC contractor will set up your new furnace after all ductwork is completed. The HVAC professional will then connect the gas lines and electric wires. Then, they'll turn your furnace on. They will then double-check their actions, as well as clean any dirt. They will then gas heater installer show you the brand new equipment, and answer all your questions.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps have become one of the top technologies for heating and cooling. They don't make use of fossil fuels to create thermal energy, as do gasoline furnaces. They instead move energy through air. Depending on your climate an ordinary heat pump is able to function all year long with little to no need to purchase additional energy.
The system of a heat pump is made up of two primary components, an outdoor unit that appears as if it's the compressor for a traditional split-system air conditioning unit, as well as an indoor air handler/fan coil unit. The air moving through the system is treated through an expansion valve as well as refrigerant. It is powered with electricity that a heat pump converts to thermal energy by the refrigeration cycle that cools the air in the summer, and heating it up in winter.
The heat pump functions the same way as an air conditioner heating mode. With reverse valves you can alter the flow of refrigerant. The reverse switch alters the function that the outside coil plays, which transforms into an evaporator. takes in heat from the atmosphere (even when outdoor temperature is low) and release it back into the home. Air is also cooled down by the indoor coil which sends cold air through the coil.
Your heater will perform best by maintaining a steady temperature. To avoid wasting energy, keep the thermostat set to the desired temperature as close as possible to room temperatures, and don't make frequent adjustments. Change the air filter frequently for pet hairs to be removed, pollen, and dust.
If you choose to purchase a heat pump, make sure you choose one that is compatible with the demands of your climate, and also fits your budget. It is recommended that to have your Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member to perform an analysis of load to make sure the heating system is appropriate for the size of your home. It is recommended to look for models that have Energy Star ratings and Coefficient of Performances (COP) and Seasonal Efficiency Efficiency rating (SEER) which are either 13 or 14 in the southern regions.