What Are The Different Types Of Heating Systems?
We have all heard about global warming and, there is a good chance you, personally, have experienced some odd temperature change in your city attributed to global warming. Just last year, one of Kentucky's most important cities, Louisville, had the third hottest summer on record, with the temperature rising up to 102 F (39 C). It stands to reason that any time soon an extra cold winter could strike Louisville. Heating repair might then be a major concern for its residents, just as reliable air conditioning was a must have in 2010. Heating services are only a phone call away, thanks to the Yellow Pages or the Internet. The uncertainty of global warming would not affect the comfort of your home.
If, for some unexpected turn of events, you have to repair or replace your heating system, it would not hurt to become acquainted with how many types for heating systems there are. Below you will find the five main types and what you face with each one:
1. Forced Air System
The air is heated in a furnace and distributed via ducts. It can work with gas, propane, oil or electricity. It is inexpensive and the most common type of all. It can be slightly noisy and distribute allergens through the air it moves.
2. Radiant Heating System
This system transfers heat from a hot to cold surface and can work via a variety of methods; from a pot belly stove to in-floor hot water tubing. It is the most comfortable of systems. Gas, propane, oil, electricity, hot water, wood or coal can make it work, depending on the distribution set up. Installation is expensive.
3. Hot Water Baseboard System
The air is heated by a baseboard unit and distributed via convection. It can work with gas, propane, oil or electricity. It is quiet, but slowly increasing the room temperature.
4. Steam Radiant Heating System
It radiates heat with steam and distributes it via piping and radiator units. It is an old- fashioned system rarely used in the present. It is comfortable, but bulky and unattractive.
5. Geothermal Heat Pump
It takes and deposits heat from the earth via a ground loop pipe. It is the most energy- efficient of all the systems, but it is somewhat expensive
In these ecological conscious times you'll be tempted to set yourself up with a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP). If that is the case, here are some features you might want to know about:
- Some models are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings.
- There are dual source heat pumps that combine a standard air-source heat pump with a Geothermal Heat Pump. The main advantage of these is cost; their installation is less expensive than a regular GHP.
- The installation of a GHP depends on the size of your land, your subsoil and your landscape.
- Your GHP might qualify for a federal tax credit.
Even if you are happy with your home's temperature control system, it does not hurt to be informed about the options you have.
About the Author
Stewart Wrighter recently contacted a Louisville heating repair specialist to fix a problem at his office. For more information on heating repairs go to http://www.prudentialHVAC.com/ .
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