As we shiver through the winter months, you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about your home heater system and whether you’ve chosen the best heat option for your home.
Let’s explore the different home heater systems on the market to see which is right for you and your family.
Central Home Heater Systems
Most homes in Virginia have central heating installed. Central heating uses a central heat source and a system of ducts to spread heat throughout your whole home. There are three main types of central heating systems:
- Furnace-powered systems use a furnace to generate heat, then a blower to disperse it throughout the system. Furnace-based systems are reliable, can be tailored with humidification and other add-ons, offer fast comfort, and are compatible with central AC systems. Poorly maintained or old furnaces can post a carbon monoxide risk.
- Boiler-powered systems use a boiler to generate steam, which is then distributed through pipes to radiators or convectors. Boilers are quiet, comfortable and offer good air quality. They are more expensive to install, and can’t also be used for air conditioning. Leaks are rare but can be a problem if systems aren’t maintained.
- Heat pumps draw heat from the air or ground, then spread it throughout the house via a system of ducts. Heat pumps are efficient, low-maintenance, have a long life span and offer reduced carbon emissions, but can be expensive to install and may require special planning permits. They are compatible with central AC systems.
Ductless Home Heater Systems
Ductless systems generate and disperse heat without the need for ducts. The three types of ductless systems are:
- Mini split systems generate heat from a single condenser and distribute it through wall-mounted units. Mini split systems are small and flexible, and allow for easy zoning or heating and cooling of individual rooms. Leaks can be a problem if systems aren’t maintained.
- Window heaters are affordable, easy-to-install AC systems that can be switched to a “heat” option. Window heaters are an efficient choice for small spaces or single rooms that require heat. Window units have a higher fire risk than central systems and should be serviced regularly.
- Portable standing heater is a type of standing heater that is inexpensive, easy-to-install and easy to move around. These are good for small spaces or outside areas such as patios. They should never be left on unsupervised, overnight or in an unvented area.
Direct Home Heater Systems
Direct heat systems are often known as “space heaters”. There are two commonly used types:
- Gas space heaters are wall-mounted or free-standing heaters powered by gas. These are used for warming single rooms and are often found in older homes. They’re cheap to install and affordable to run. They should never be left on unsupervised or overnight. Unvented space heaters should never be used, especially if away from a window.
- Electric space heaters are plug-in heaters that use an electric coil and a fan to generate and disperse heat. These can be used in small spaces, but tend not to be energy efficient or effective when used in larger spaces. They should never be left on unsupervised or overnight, or plugged into a power strip.
Home Heater Safety Precautions
Heating is a major cause of home fires. Here’s how to reduce your risks.
- Don’t block heaters. Keep a three-foot gap between heaters and anything else – including blinds, drapes and rugs to prevent fire. Make sure children are kept away from heating elements.
- Switch portable heaters off. Portable heaters shouldn’t run overnight or when you’re not around. Turn them off before going to bed or when leaving the house.
- Don’t overload power strips. Don’t combine or overload power strips. Plug space heaters directly into an outlet.
- Test your smoke alarms. Your smoke alarms are important safety devices that can save lives. Test them monthly.
- Don’t use unvented gas heaters. Unvented gas heaters are not recommended by experts and are banned in many areas. If used, they must be kept near a window to allow for proper ventilation.
Our #1 safety tip is this: have experts install any kind of heating equipment according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions, and service your heating equipment annually. Keeping your HVAC system maintained will help it run efficiently – and will also help identify any problems in the early stages. Learn more about our maintenance agreement.
If you have a heating system that’s due for a service, or you need an expert eye to look at your home heater and provide recommendations, the friendly team at Shaw is here to help. Just give us a call or reach out using the form below!