So you’re in the market for a new heating system and you’re not sure which one will suit your home best. Which one is the cheapest? Do I need a new boiler? What about other heating systems like heat pumps or heat recovery ventilation? The list of options is endless. With so many different ways to heat your home, it can be incredibly overwhelming. We will go through all of the most popular heating systems available to you as a homeowner, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as cost, maintenance, and more.
Table of Contents
Installing a Boiler
If you already have a central heating system in place, installing a new boiler might be the easiest and least expensive approach to take. Some older boilers are inefficient and could be costing you a pretty penny in energy bills and carbon emissions. Replacing an old boiler with a new, high-efficiency model is one of the most cost-effective and least invasive ways to update your heating system. In most cases, you’ll only need to hire a plumber to disconnect your old boiler and hook up your new one. Boilers come in gas or electric models and have similar installation costs. Replacing a boiler can cost between £1,500 and £5,500, including the labour, new piping, and all permits and inspections necessary.
Heat Pumps
These systems work to transfer heat from outside your home to inside using what is known as latent energy. Because of this, they are the most efficient and cost-effective options, especially in areas with less extreme temperatures. These systems work best in areas where the average outdoor temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. And while they may seem like perfect solutions for colder climates, they function best when the outdoor temperature is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
If you’re considering adding a heat pump to your home, the most important thing to consider is the location of your home. If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump in a detached home, townhouse, or other types of housing, you need to make sure that your home has enough space for the unit. You’ll also need to consider how much noise the unit will produce, as well as the aesthetic impact a heat pump will have on your property, see https://www.spartamech.co.uk/heat-pumps/ for more information here.
Heat Recovery Ventilation
This system helps to reduce the amount of energy spent on heating, as it recycles your indoor air basically recovers any heat before expelling it to the outside world. There are two types of heat recovery ventilation systems, mechanical and natural. Mechanical heat recovery ventilation uses, whereas natural heat recovery ventilation does not use a fan.
As with all other heating systems, heat recovery ventilation works best when paired with a programmable thermostat.
Solid-Fuel Heaters
These are your traditional, old-fashioned stoves that use wood for fuel. Many people install these for aesthetic reasons, as they are often beautiful pieces of furniture. These could also be useful if you live in a remote area where other types of heating systems might not be accessible or efficient. If you’re thinking about installing a wood-burning stove, you’ll need to make sure you’re in compliance with your local building code. You also need to make sure you have enough space for the stove and that your home has enough airflow to keep it from overheating. If you’re in a cold climate, you’ll probably want to pair your wood-burning stove with a traditional furnace.
Electric Heating
If you’re considering installing an electric heating system in your home, you should know that is not always the best to use. Underfloor heating is one area that this system is very good for, but as a whole house heating system, others are more cost-effective.
Conclusion
Choosing which type of heating system is right for you will depend on a number of different factors. However, when you’re choosing a new heating system, make sure to consider the aesthetic impact of the device, as well as its energy efficiency.
