We're all looking for ways to save money on our heating bills and simple things like turning the thermostat down and having your boiler serviced regularly can help you do that. But have you ever thought that the problem might be with your heating system?
There are a lot of different ways to heat your home and some are a lot more efficient and affordable than others. Most people tend to stick with whatever heating system was already installed when they moved in because they think that it's too much work to change it. But even though it's a big job and it can be expensive, it could save you a lot of money, so it's worth looking into.
The other reason people don't change their heating system is that they don't really know what the alternatives are and which options are best. This article will break down the different options available to help you find the best way to stay warm and keep your utility bills under control this winter.
Furnaces
Traditional gas-fired furnaces are the number one choice for cheap heat. This is because they use natural gas or propane to heat up a fan that blows the warm air through your home. You can also use electric furnaces to heat your home too.
Furnaces are pretty old technology, which means that they need to be looked after properly. They're still one of the most efficient ways to heat your home, but if you notice any problems, you need to call a furnace repair and maintenance company right away. As long as you keep the furnace up and running properly, they are reliable and affordable. Gas is cheaper than electricity so if you are only concerned with price, it's your best option.
However, if you want to be more eco-friendly, an electric option might be better, provided you go with a supplier that uses renewable energy sources to generate your electricity.
Boilers
Gas-fired boilers are one of the most common heating systems you find in modern homes. They heat up water until it reaches boiling point, and then pump it through the taps or into radiators to warm your home.
Boilers use either electricity or natural gas to turn the boiler into a furnace that heats up the water. The good thing about using gas is that it's cheaper than electricity, but the downside is that natural gas isn't as efficient or eco-friendly as electricity. The other thing to watch out for with boilers is that they need regular maintenance to operate efficiently and safely. If you have a new boiler, it should be fairly efficient and your heating bills won't be too high. But old boilers are very wasteful and you should think about replacing yours if it's been there for a long time.
Space Heaters
Space heaters can be an effective way to heat specific rooms that get particularly cold. They work best in rooms that aren't used regularly or where people congregate for shorter periods of time, like the bedrooms.
Space heaters are cheap to buy initially, but they're not great when you want to keep your whole home warm because they only provide a limited amount of warmth and they need to be turned on and off frequently. You can buy different types of space heaters too – ones that use gas and others that use electricity. In terms of cost, space heaters are not the best option. You'll have to spend a lot on gas or electricity, and they don't provide as much warmth as other systems. They're also not very efficient, so most of the heat that comes from space heaters is lost quickly. They can be useful when you are only heating one specific room but they are not a good solution for heating the entire house.
Geothermal Heating
If you have a spacious basement that stays fairly warm all year, you could install a geothermal system. This is where pipes are run under your house and through water in order to absorb heat from it. Then, they pump this heat throughout your home, warming up all of the rooms. They are also particularly good when used for underfloor heating systems.
Geothermal heating is incredibly efficient because you only need electricity to power the pumps that circulate the heated water through your home. However, it's not especially cheap when you first install it but over time it will pay for itself in efficiency savings. Another thing to watch out for with these systems is that if there isn't a steady supply of water in your house, you won't get very good heat in the winter. Make sure that your basement is deep enough to provide a constant source of heat for this system or it might end up being a waste of money.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a good way to heat your home if you don't mind spending more money initially. They work by pumping heat from the outside of your house into the inside, providing a constant source of warmth even when it's below zero outside. They are similar to a geothermal heating system but they take warmth from the air instead of the water in the ground.
If you live in a temperate or hotter climate, getting a heat pump might be the best option for you because they only really need to work during wintertime. You can still use other heating systems but they will probably be turned off at night and overnight so that you're not paying for them while no one is using them. Heat pumps are great because they provide nearly 100% efficiency which means that all of the energy generated by the furnace actually goes into heating up your home rather than being wasted.
Generating Your Own Energy
As well as changing the heating system, you should look into generating your own energy. If you are using a heating system that runs on electricity, this could be a very effective way to cut your bills down. There are a number of different options when it comes to generating your own energy.
Using solar panels is the most obvious option. These panels absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. They are great for providing you with electricity throughout the day but they become less effective in wintertime when there isn't as much sunlight. Wind turbines are another alternative that works by using the power of the wind to turn a generator which then produces electricity. However, these can be expensive to install. Micro-turbines are more affordable versions of this option because they're small, so they don't need their own building or tower. Both of these options can work very well, but it all depends on the climate where you live. If you get plenty of sunshine, your solar panels will generate more than enough energy for you. The same is true if you live somewhere windy. But people that live in a fairly mild climate often find that generating their own energy is a lot harder.
So look out for the signs you need heater repair and if you are serious about saving money on your utility bills, you need to forget the small changes and start thinking about your heating system. If you have a boiler or furnace that is in good condition, it should be fairly efficient. However, if you are willing to invest a bit of money, upgrading to a heat pump or geothermal system can make you some big savings in the long term. It's also a far more eco-friendly option, which is an added bonus. Generating your own electricity can help you cut your bills too. So, if you are concerned about your heating bills, consider changing your heating system today!