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What is the Best Way to Heat My Home?

What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide

Is it time to replace your old furnace? Cold weather is coming, and that means you need a reliable heat source for you and your family. What you may not know is that you have a variety of ways to keep your home warm and comfortable.  Which method is best for you depends on several factors.

Different Ways to Heat Your Home

Before deciding which heating method is best for your house, take a look at how each method works.

1. Central Warm Air Furnace

A warm air furnace works by transferring heat from one central point through ductwork in the home. A fan blows heated air into each room through vents and registers. Some furnaces are powered by gas or oil, while others are powered by electricity.

The central furnace system is common in North American homes. Most households rely on one single furnace to heat each room evenly and thoroughly.

2. Steam or Hot Water System

Steam or hot water heating systems are exactly as they sound. A boiler turns water into steam and then distributes warm air from room to room. There are many benefits to this heating method, including speed, control, and ability to reach high temperatures.

3. Heat Pump

Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than the average heating system. They are essentially a reverse-refrigerator, as they absorb heat from a cold place and transfer it to a warmer one. One drawback to heat pumps is that they are dependent on the ambient temperature and may not “feel” as warm as warm air furnaces.

4. Fireplaces and Stoves

Not only do fireplaces and stoves help save money on your utility bill, they add a certain coziness to your certain areas in your house. They can help you reduce heating costs by letting you lower the thermostat in the zones where you are heating with a stove or fireplace.

What is Zone Heating?

Zoning is a heating method that involves dividing a home into sections. Each section is individually controlled and heated by an overall “zoning” system. This allows you to adjust the temperature in various rooms based on where you spend the most time. Not only will you save money, you will also conserve energy!

Which System is Right For You?

The trick to choosing the right heating system is to evaluate your needs as a homeowner.  Is your house big or small? Do you like the air warmer or cooler? Do you spend a lot of time in one room, or the same amount of time in each room? Weigh the benefits of each system and how they pertain to you.

You don’t have to sacrifice home comfort to save money on your heating bills.  If you have any further questions, contact Indoor Air Quality today. We serve homeowners in Highlands Ranch and throughout the Denver Metro Area. Our highest priority is the comfort of your home.