To keep your home warm in the winter requires the right heating system. There are a variety of factors to consider before deciding on the best heating system such as installation costs along with energy and requirements for maintenance.
You can select a system that runs on propane, gas or oil. It is also possible to select a solar-powered unit. The most common split-systems have the outdoor unit and the indoor one.
Thermostats
If it's at workplace or in the home thermostats manage heating systems by switching devices on and off to achieve the desired temperature of the room. The thermostats do this by monitoring the inside temperature, and then controlling the flow of fluids used to transfer heat so that they can maintain the desired temperature.
Although many people think of the thermostat as a minor device, it's worth investing the time and money needed in order to comprehend how it operates and how it functions, you may be surprised at the significant difference proper installation can make to your savings on energy as well as financial. It's essential to trust the task of installing a thermostat to qualified professionals who will ensure that it's correctly set and calibrated for the highest efficiency in energy usage.
Thermostats come in a variety in styles and sizes that range from basic mechanical On/Off switches to more sophisticated electronic units which have programmable settings. A basic programmable model allows you to set different daytime and nighttime temperature settings, while more advanced models allow you to alter their settings depending on the day of the week and the exact time of day.
Traditional mechanical thermostats utilize the bi-metallic strip or a screw fixed to contact for adjusting to changes within the temperature of the inside. In the event that they are set for heating, the internal metal strips expand, and then close an electrical circuit that activates the heating element. When temperatures drop, the internal metal strips shrink, closing the circuit of electricity that turns off the heater.
Line voltage thermostats can be another type of thermostat, and operate with the voltage of the system (usually 120 or 240 Volts for residential American homes). These are utilized to control circulation pumps inside the hydronic heating system.
You can upgrade your old Line Voltage thermostat with an integrated "heat anticipation device" to ensure that there isn't overheating in the room.
Ductwork
It is a network of tubes that transfer warm or cold air from the furnace to air outlets throughout the house. This is one of your crucial heating parts, and it's also one of the more troublesome ones. Ducts that leak or are not sealed properly may cause you spending more on heating and cooling, and they may also circulate dust, germs, and various allergens in the house. The result could cause the family to get sick and could lead to respiratory problems in the majority of people.
The unit will be also silent and efficient, which makes it the ideal option to those who have children or elderly people. It should also be durable sufficient to last for the entire life of your house. While it is important to energy efficiency, having a well-functioning ductwork system will decrease the burden to your HVAC unit, prolonging its lifespan and saving you money.
You'll have to decide what material will work best for your needs. Each comes with its own strengths and cons. Steel or aluminum ducts may be lightweight but are also strong. Galvanized sheet is more resistant to rust and insect infestations. The most popular choice is fiberglass due to its light weight and is easy to install in tight spaces. However, it may not stand up to heat or moisture, particularly in climates with high humidity.
When installing ducts should be done by a professional. They've worked with a variety of types of ducts, and are able to help figure out the best size and placement to fit your needs. They will also ensure that the ducts are secured. If you're doing it yourself stay clear of duct tape that is backed with cloth, rather use mastic foil or butyl tape that has labels that are heat-approved.
The correct vents to install is important once you've installed the vents. The vents will help ensure that the ducts do not get loaded, which will prevent the air from becoming stale and cold. It's an excellent way to increase the value of your home, as potential buyers are aware that the HVAC system you have in place and in good working order.
Furnace
The furnace is at the center of all heating systems. They can be powered by gasoline, oil, or liquified petroleum (LP) and deliver heated air to vents located throughout the house. It may be built in the house or flow through closets or crawl spaces. Your furnace is ready to start working once the ducts have been erected.
If the thermostat, separated from the pipes, notices that it is less than its setpoint, it'll switch on the furnace. The furnace will run on fuel until the house is at the desired temperature. It then will stop. The type of fuel that is used in different systems can have a significant impact on your electric bills.
Natural gas is utilized in many of the heating systems today. The combusting process of these systems is highly efficient, while the exhaust pipe is controlled so that emissions are minimized. Boilers and heat pumps could be another choice for central heating. However, they aren't as efficient as gas systems.
The latest electric technology works similarly to the gas-powered furnace, but it doesn't offer the same efficiency. Electric furnaces aren't as efficient and their combustion process does not have the same purity. The exhaust flue needs to be controlled in order to minimize emission.
In some areas in the US where gas prices are higher than oil or fuel, houses are heated using oil furnaces. The oil furnace has an combustion chamber, a heat exchanger, and an exhaust flue just like gas-powered furnaces. Furthermore the oil pump pumps fuel in the combustion chamber for it to spark. As with a gas heater system, the resultant heating is spread throughout the home by the blower.
Once the ductwork is in position, the HVAC technician will then install your brand new furnace. They will ensure the system is connected to both gas and electrical lines, and then they'll begin to turn on the furnace. They'll then double verify their work, and clean of any clutter. The technicians will show you how to operate your new system and answer all your questions.
Heat Pump
They have emerged as the most popular technique for heating and cooling. Unlike gas furnaces, they don't burn fossil fuel to produce thermal energy. Instead, they transfer heat from either the air or from the ground. Based on the climate of your area, a basic heat pump is able to function all year long with little to no need for supplementary energy.
The system of a heat pump is made up of two major components, an outdoor unit that appears much like the compressor unit to make a classic split-system conditioner, as well as an indoor fan coil/air handler unit. Air that flows through the heat pump's circuit is controlled by refrigerant, and an expansion valve. A heat pump converts electricity into thermal energy, which can be used to power the system. This allows it to cool the air in the summer months and warm the air in winter.
In the heating setting the heat pump functions as a standard air conditioner, with the exception that the refrigerant flow is reversed by the reversing valve. This reversal swaps the role that the outside coil plays, that transforms into an evaporator, and is able to absorb heat from the air (even in the event that outdoor temperatures isn't high) and releases it inside your house. Also, the air is cooled by the indoor coil, which is capable of blowing a stream cold air on the coil.
Your heat pump works best by maintaining a steady temperature. Make sure that the thermostat as close to the temperature within the room as you can. Make sure to not adjust it frequently. Additionally, it is recommended that you change the filter regularly, to get rid of pet hair dirt, pollen and dust out of your indoor air.
If you decide to purchase a heat pump, be sure to select an option that will meet the requirements of your climate and is within your budget. Ideally, you'll need to have your Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) members to conduct a load analysis to ensure the heat pump is properly designed for the home you live in. Look for a model with the Energy Star rating and a Coefficient of Performance (COP) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio new heater (SEER) of at least 13 in northern areas, and 14 for the south.