If you are currently undecided about the best heating system for your home, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you are building your own home or are looking at alternatives to the system you already have, this blog will discuss all factors you need to consider when choosing a system, such as home size, climate, fuel type, budget, and desired level of efficiency. We will then explore different heating system options (e.g., oil furnace, heat pump, boiler) and their pros and cons.
Factors to consider:
Home size
The size of the heating system needs to be appropriate to the size of your home. An undersized or oversized unit may lead to increased costs, inefficiency and overall discomfort.
Larger houses need more robust systems to ensure sufficient warmth. Likewise, the layout and number of rooms also makes a difference. Some systems maintain consistent temperatures across different areas, some homes may have better insulation, higher ceilings etc.
Climate
The climate in any area will play a significant role in determining which is the best heating system for you. Heat pumps, for example, are efficient in mild to cool environments but not in extremely cold areas. In colder areas, geothermal heat pumps or oil furnaces are likely to be more effective. Milder climates will favour air-source heat pumps or electric heating systems.
Fuel type
The type of fuel used for heating is important for several reasons:
Cost: Fuel types vary in price with natural gas being cheaper than oil, but prices can fluctuate depending on availability.
Efficiency: Natural gas and propane tend to be more efficient at producing heat compared to electricity.
Availability: Depending on your location, different fuels will be more readily available than others. More rural areas may not have access to natural gas pipelines, making oil a more viable option, for example.
Budget
The upfront cost of purchasing and installing a heating system can vary significantly depending on the type of heating system, so knowing your budget can help you narrow down your options. Similarly, different heating systems vary by cost based on fuel type, energy efficiency and maintenance requirements, so understanding your budget is essential.
Desired level of efficiency
In order to optimise energy efficiency, you’ll need to make sure you have selected a heating system that is appropriate for the climate. Heat pumps offer higher efficiency in moderate climates, whilst oil furnaces are preferable for cooler areas.
Heating system options with pros and cons
Oil furnace
If you’re looking for the best heating system all round, let us introduce you to the oil furnace. As a rule, oil furnaces are considered one of the most efficient heating systems, particularly if you have natural gas. They work by heating air through a heat exchanger and pushing it into your home using a fan.
Pros: oil is widely available, oil produces more heat per volume than propane or other natural gases, and they are generally reliable, being able to operate during power outages if they have a backup generator.
Cons: oil prices often vary, burning oil releases greenhouse gases and can contribute to greenhouse gases.
If you’re considering a heating oil tank, you might want to think about bunded oil tanks as they can prevent issues associated with oil theft or freezing during the winter.
Heat pump
This system is an air conditioning and heating unit all in one. It works by taking air from outside and heating it with a refrigerant and pumping it back into your home. During the winter, it takes the inside air and heats it and then sends it back indoors.
Pros: heat pumps are highly efficient, are dual function, and many use electricity which can be generated from renewable resources, reducing carbon emissions.
Cons: the initial installation cost can be higher, they may be less efficient in extremely cold temperatures.
Boiler
Boilers work by heating up water in a tank and using it to warm your home, pumping from the boiler’s tank to your radiators. Natural gas boilers are as efficient or some even more so than furnaces.
Pros: boilers provide consistent heating throughout a space, don’t produce dry air and can utilise different fuel sources (oil, propane, natural gas etc).
Cons: regular maintenance is needed to ensure safe operations and boilers require more space for installation, especially if you’re using radiators.
For more advice on the best heating system for you, get in touch with us at QuickTanks to learn more about our competitive prices, next level customer service and extensive product range.