Heating system, furnace or another? Find out how your home heating systems are compared and the ways you can modify the one you have.
In addition, heating bills for homes are rising. The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association believes that the average consumer is likely to pay more for heating this winter than in the past two years - 75% when using heating oil and 66% when using natural gas (electricity prices have reportedly gone up the least).
If you are using some of the more expensive options, there are methods to reduce your heating usage and decrease energy costs. In certain instances, switching your heating system by switching to a cheaper energy source may be possible.
Are you trying to reduce your house's heating bills or improve your heating system's efficiency? It would help if you learned this, specifically when looking at a furnace or heat pump.
Can You Change Your Home Heating System?
A change in your home's heating system could be an option. However, it's contingent upon various variables, such as your home's dimensions, condition and age.
Older homes are likely not to have the circuit panel or ducting that can handle modern systems, in the least, with no significant change in the infrastructure of the house (plus substantial money).
According to Mallory Micetich, a home care specialist for Angi Home Services, based in Denver, an upgrade may or may not be possible depending on your existing heating system. It will take more work to upgrade to a system that requires ducts if you don't already have ductwork in place than to an alternative furnace that can utilize the existing system."
It is also essential to consider the location - not just the fuel sources a house can access. Also, it determines the power of heating equipment the home will require.
"Smaller houses - those under 2,000 square feet - could benefit by adding a fireplace, either gas or wood burning, for heating compared to a central furnace," states Tim David, a heating and air conditioning expert and the CEO of Airlucent located in Huntsville, Alabama. "But outdoor temperatures must be considered when choosing the right kind of heating system for your house.
Suppose you're farther north, and temperatures drop to below 32 degrees for long periods for a long time. In that case, it's best to consider investing in a complete household heating system. You can get a central furnace or heat pump to maintain a higher temperature indoors that doesn't result in frozen pipes."
If you want to change your heating equipment, the best option is to have an expert local HVAC expert assess the property. They'll be able to offer suggestions on what changes might be appropriate for your home.
Heating System Options
There are several options if you can modify your house's heating system. Some require natural gas or propane. Others make use of oil, air, and geothermal energy.
Let's take a look at some possibilities you could consider:
Furnace and Boiler Systems
It is reported that the U.S. Energy Department says boilers and furnaces are among the most used heating devices throughout the United States. According to David David, it's also one of the most affordable in that they are powered by natural gas.
"Natural gas is still the least costly form of energy in most of the country," David declares. "In comparison to a central heating system, furnaces will cost less and should last longer."
Furnaces heat the air before spreading it across the house through ductwork and are powered by geothermal, gas energy, electricity, or heating oil. Remember that heating oil can be a fossil fuel which could pollute the air and cause climate change. When split, it could be a threat to water resources and threaten animals. Some companies blend oil with biodiesel. This could make the oils more sustainable.
Boilers work similar to furnaces, but their distribution technique is distinct.
"A central boiler circulates steam or water, depending on the unit, through pipes to radiator units," claims Lane Dixon, vice president of operations for Aire Serv, a nationwide HVAC servicing business based out of Waco, Texas. "Boilers are inefficient for heating large areas of a house. They can be powered with propane, natural gas or biodiesel, fuel oil blends or electric power."
Per the information and home improvement firm Angi, a furnace installation can cost between $2,000 and $17,000, based on the model you choose. Geothermal furnaces, which use heating from the ground to heat your air at home, are the highest priced. Boilers are less expensive at around $1,800 to $16,000.
Heat Pumps
Heating pumps could be another source of heating. They draw heat from air, water, or ground and run on electricity. The Energy Department estimates that heat pumps cut down a house's heated energy consumption by 50% compared to furnaces. Additionally, they reduce your carbon footprint.
"Electric heating systems use electricity to produce and circulate heat throughout your home instead of relying on natural gas," says Darcy Lee, senior product manager of Trane Residential, which offers cooling and heating systems nationwide. " Electric heating solutions, such as heat pumps and hybrid systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions for your home."
Alongside electronic heat pump systems, dual-fuel heat pumps combine an outdoor heat pump and a gas furnace.
"Much like a hybrid car that runs on electricity as often as possible and switches to gas as needed, a hybrid HVAC system runs the electric heat pump system as often as possible and switches to the gas furnace when needed," Lee states. "Combining traditional heat pumps with hybrids maximizes system efficiency and can reduce costs."
Another alternative is a geothermal heating pump, which draws warmth from the earth around your house. The systems could reduce electricity consumption by around 60% while reducing the cost of heating water by about 50% in winter.
There is one drawback: geothermal systems can be costly to set up. According to Angi's research, they cost from $4,100 to $24,000, depending on the residence size.
"It's environmentally friendly and extremely efficient," Micetich states. "But it's more costly to set up and maintain and repair, with prices ranging from $4,000-$20,000. Mallory
Supplemental Systems
Additionally, there are other heating equipment and devices that can be used to heat tiny spaces or even small homes. As David said, a fireplace installation could suffice to warm smaller areas, and space heaters can be an option.
"Depending on the people in the home, you may only need to heat one room to stay comfortable, and that could be done with a space heater," David declares.
Pellet and wood-burning stoves will help to heat a house. They could "emit large quantities of air pollutants," however, they are not a source of pollution, as per the Energy Department, and some municipalities have even banned or restricted the use of these stoves.
Summary: Heat Pump vs. Furnace
These are the most important aspects to consider when deciding whether to go with a heat pump or furnace.
Furnace and Boiler Pros and Cons
- The furnace or boiler is likely to outlast central HVAC systems.
- Boilers and stoves that run on natural gas provide some of the most affordable heat energy types. Surface costs range from $2,000 to $17,000 for installation, and boilers can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $16,000.
- Furnaces that burn pure heating oil don't help the environment, while boilers use steam or water.
- Boilers have a different efficiency than furnaces when heating vast regions.
Heat Pump Pros and Cons
- Heating systems collect the heat of the ground, air or water and run on electricity.
- Heat pumps reduce electric heating energy by as much as 50 per cent compared to furnaces.
- The heat pumps are much more environmentally green than furnaces.
- Geothermal heat pumps can dramatically decrease energy usage by 60% and heating expenses by up to 50% during winter.
- To set up, geothermal heat pumps can cost between $4,000 and $24,000.
Get Help With Your Heating Upgrade Costs
If you choose to upgrade your furnace, you may have tax benefits to help you reduce the costs. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, consumers can get tax credits towards certain energy-efficient home upgrades. The distinction in 2023 will be 70% of the upgrade price, up to $1200.
There is the option of an Energy Star-certified system. This could allow you to qualify for your municipality or utility company's rebates and lower your electricity bills. For instance, an ENERGY STAR heater could save you up to $5,000 throughout its life.
