Keeping the family warm during cold days and nights is a priority of every homeowner in Minnesota. It is necessary that you choose the right heating system for your house to ensure that it is kept comfortable during harsh winter days and that it is energy efficient. If you’re planning to contact a contractor for heating & air conditioning in Plymouth, MN, one of your first decisions should be to choose the best system for your household.
Forced Air Heating System
This heating system uses a furnace to heat the air and distribute it through ducts installed in rooms inside the house. Furnaces use different fuel sources to run, such as propane, natural gas, oil, or electricity. The heated air can be filtered and humidified (or dehumidified) and the distribution method can also be used for cooling. These types of furnaces are usually less expensive but they take up space and require a lot of work when installing ducts. Most manufacturers are using forced air heating systems and are developing new technologies to be very energy efficient.
Radiant Heating System
The radiant heating system is the most natural and comfortable home heating system and it can come in different forms like in-floor tubing with hot water or pot belly stove. It works by radiating heat from hot to cold surfaces. The water is usually heated using boilers so this system can be energy efficient as well. However, installation can be a bit expensive as you’ll need separate ducts for cooling systems.
Steam Radiators
Steam radiators are one of the oldest home heating systems still in use today. They work by distributing and releasing heat through radiator units. They can be fueled by natural gas, oil, electricity, or propane. Though efficient, radiators may limit room decorations and furniture placement, and can be loud.
Boilers
Boilers are heating units on which a number of heating systems depend. They work by creating steam from boiling water to distribute to other radiant-type heating systems like radiators. Boilers run on different forms of fuel like oil, propane, and natural gas. Aside from water boilers, there is also the steam boiler which is a bit more complex than the former type as it includes pressure gauges and valves. Boilers are small, low maintenance and energy efficient, which make them a good choice for a home heating system.
Once you’ve identified the right system for your home, call Plymouth, MN furnace repair and installation experts such as Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Co. Inc. to purchase and install your new heating system.
(Source: Types of Home Heating System, About.com)