Heating is a vital part of many households. It keeps homes safe and comfortable during those colder seasons. Plus, you can see it as a way to maintain the health of both occupants and amenities.
If you’re hoping to renovate your home, you may want to consider upgrading your heating system for optimal performance. To get you started, here are some questions to ask the experts.
1. What are the Main Heating System Options?
Asking about available heating systems gives you an overview of your options and the pros and cons. There can be numerous options, but the main systems you’ll come across are central, ductless and direct heating. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Central Heating
You can find central heating systems in both older and modern homes. These systems use a central heat source and convert the heat into transportable form. Once created, it is carried throughout the home with ducts or pipes. You can choose from a variety of central heat sources. Some homes use oil-fired central heating systems, but others may draw heat from natural gas or even electricity.
Ductless Heating
Ductless heating forgoes the pipes used to transport generated heat. Instead, it is moved throughout the home in refrigerant lines. These systems often use indoor units connected to an outdoor unit through refrigerant lines, such as mini-split heat pumps. It’s typically recommended for homeowners who want to control the temperature of each room.
Direct Heating
A direct heating system doesn’t use ducts and refrigerant lines. Instead, it focuses on providing a heating source directly to the room. Think of how space heaters and fireplaces effectively warm up individual spaces like the living room or bedroom. It can be used in addition to a central or ductless heating system.
2. Can You Connect the Heating System to a Generator?
It’s important to see if the heating systems can run on a generator. Storms can knock out your power and turn off your heating system. You could face a power outage or forget to pay your bills. The backup power source adds extra peace of mind that your home will stay warm.
3. What Systems Are Most Efficient?
Improved heating efficiency helps prevent energy waste and save money. Electric boilers and heating systems usually perform well, as they have an annual fuel utilisation efficiency of 95% or more. However, they can also be less economical if electricity becomes expensive.
Heating systems with a high heating season performance factor (HSPF), such as air heat pumps, are a good alternative. HSPF considers the ratio of heat output to total electricity consumption.
4. Can You Install a Programmable Thermostat?
Checking which heating system is compatible with a programmable thermostat is one way to improve energy efficiency further while heating the home. Use it to adjust the temperature more accurately. You can also customise the schedule for your heating systems to turn on and off as needed.
5. Does the System Match the Living Space and Usage?
The size of your living space and how much you use your heat may warrant choosing a more powerful system. For reference, only 15% of Irish people heat their homes for eight hours or more. You’re more likely to heat it for only four hours. Underfloor and central heating are considered some of the best heating systems for long-term warmth.
6. What Is the System’s Lifespan and Maintenance Like?
A new heating system will still have a limited lifespan and require routine maintenance. It’s vital to understand these factors before choosing your heating system. An oil boiler can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, while its electric counterpart lasts 15 to 25 years. However, an electric boiler will require less maintenance than an oil-based one.
Find the Best Heating System for Your Home
The perfect heating system can vary from home to home, making it even more critical to find the right one for your household. Be inquisitive when exploring your options. That way, you get the full picture and make a fully informed decision on how you’ll heat your home.
