Is this the year for switching out your heating system? If so, congratulations are in order, since you’ll be saving energy and money long term. Today’s heat pumps and furnaces are much more efficient than those manufactured even a few years ago. There are at least three major alternative types of heating you should consider for your northeast Ohio home:
- Geothermal heating: One of the most efficient heating methods available, as well as a renewable energy source, geothermal heat pumps transfer heat from the ground to warm your home, rather than actually generating heat as traditional furnace systems do. That same heat pump equipment provides cooling in summer by transferring heat the other way, from home to the ground or a nearby water source. What’s more, you can still take advantage of a generous (30 percent) federal tax credit for geothermal systems through 2016.
- Dual fuel systems: Switching out your heating system to dual fuel is another energy-wise choice. These systems use both an electric heat pump and gas or oil furnace, switching between them depending on the outdoor temperature. These smart systems are always using the least expensive energy source. You’ll be saving energy “automatically” with no compromise in comfort. Power company rebates may be available. Consult your local HVAC expert.
- Radiant heating: This refers in most cases to floor heating systems. This innovative home heating method involves piping installed below the floor of your house (and sometimes in walls or ceilings, accompanied by panels). Water is heated and flows through the pipes to warm your home. In some systems, steam flows through the pipes instead. Heat is delivered directly from the hot surface below to people and items inside the room by means of infrared radiation. This avoids the big heat loss that can come with standard ducted central heating. Radiant heating is allergy friendly in that it doesn’t circulate air along with airborne allergens.
Need further advice or information about switching out your heating system? Contact the experienced professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. Visit our website to learn more about our services or just give us a call.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heating systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area