The heating and cooling market has a variety of home heating systems, under an array of brands and manufacturers. In turn, this can make your decision for your replacement or new home installation very difficult. When you are going through this process, there are a few factors that you should take into account, such as: overall requirements, system size, home dynamics, features, and the cost of the system.
Your HVAC system makes up 42% of your utility bills. Making sure you choose the correct system for you and your home is especially important. You’ll want a system that is energy efficient, easy to handle, and cost effective for you. When you work with our residential HVAC experts, they will provide you with the correct and accurate information so you feel confident in this home investment.
Types of home heating systems
- Central Heating System
- Ductless Heating System
Central Heating systems
A central home heating system provides heat for the entire home or building for every room. The generated heat occurs through a central heat source that is usually located in your basement or attic. This heat then spreads throughout the home through a network of ducts. These ducted systems take up a larger amount of space than any other type of system. Here are the 3 main types of central heating systems:
- Furnaces
- Boilers
- Heat Pumps
Central Heating – Furnace
A furnace can be used via electricity, gas, or fuel oil to heat air in one area and then to further distribute that air into your home though ductwork and vents. The main parts are the control systems including gas valves, burners, heat exchanger, blower, and the ventilation/ductwork system. The combustion gases are vented out of your home through your vents. Furnaces are most known for their long life span, affordability, high efficiency, low operating noise, and more. There are a number of furnaces available to choose from. Contact one our HVAC experts if you want to go into detail on these options available to you!
Central Heating – Boiler
Boilers are essentially special-purpose water heaters. These are usually powered by gas or other fuels. A boiler distributes heat in hot water which eventually loses heat as it gets distributed through the radiators or other device installed with your system. Instead of ducts, a boiler uses pumps to circulate water and disperse warm air. After the water cools, it is then reheated in the boiler and the process continues.
Setting up a boiler and controlling it is easier than furnaces. They are controlled by valves that regulate temperature and water flow. It is recommended that you choose a high-efficiency boiler as well for your home. This will help to save in costs in the long run. Annual maintenance is also a great idea to keep this system running top-notch and to avoid potential problems overtime.
Central Heating – Heat Pump
Heat pumps are different than furnaces and boilers due to the fact that they can provide year-round climate control to keep you comfortable. Heat pumps are known as two-way air conditioners. They keep your home cool in the summer months and warm during the winters with the support of an electric system. They are more energy efficient due to the fact that they use electricity to run rather than generating it. There are two types of heat pumps: air heat and ground source.
Ductless Heating systems
This system does not require ductwork throughout your home to keep it warm. However, you would need a separate system for each room in your home if this is solely the option you chose. These would include a Minisplit heat pump and window AC with heat. They are a standalone system that are typically more energy-efficient. These are ideal for a 3 season porch, or another area of your home that is smaller in size.
Which system is best for you?
Our residential HVAC experts will go over your needs and budget with you, and from there give you some options that would be best for you and your home. Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable all year-round! Overall, living in Iowa with the hot summers and cold winters, the best way to heat your entire home is with a central heating system.
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