Making sure your house is warm throughout the cold winter months requires the appropriate heating system. Several factors should be considered in deciding on a heating unit that include installation cost as well as energy expenses and requirements for maintenance.
You can select a system that runs on propane, gas or oil. Also, you can select one powered by solar. Most common are split systems with the outdoor unit and the indoor one.
Thermostats
Thermostats regulate the heating system in office buildings and homes. They accomplish this by turning on or off devices according to the desired temperature. They do this by sensing the interior temperature, then controlling the flow of heat transfer fluid so that they can maintain the desired temperature.
It may surprise you discover how much energy you could save by setting your thermostat appropriately. It's important to leave the installation of any thermostat to qualified professionals who can ensure it is properly adjusted and calibrated for the highest energy efficiency.
There are many different types of thermostats, from basic mechanical ones with On/Off buttons up to digital models which are programmable. The basic model that can be programmed allows you to alter the evening and daytime temperatures and more sophisticated models have the ability to vary their settings based on the days of the week and the specific time of the day.
The traditional mechanical thermostat uses bi-metallic strips, or a fixed contact screw that responds to fluctuations in the internal temperature. In the event that they are set for heating, the internal metal strips extend and close an electrical circuit which activates the heater. When the temperature drops and the metal strips begin to contract as they open the circuit in order and shut off the heater.
Another kind of traditional thermostat is the line voltage design and operates at level of system voltage (120 or 240 Volts in houses throughout the United States). They're often used to control fan coils used in central heating systems as well as control the circulator pumps used in Hydronic heating systems.
If you're running lines-voltage thermostat on an older unit that is equipped with heating on the baseboard, you'll likely want to upgrade to a thermostat that is programmable and has a built-in "heat anticipation." This feature automatically opens the contacts of the thermostat just a bit earlier than the heater is scheduled to kick off as well as helps to prevent your room's temperature from exceeding the intended temperature.
Ductwork
It's a system of tubes that transfer hot or cold air that is coming from the furnace to air vents that are located throughout your house. It's among the most important components in the heating system, however it can also be one of the more problematic. Incorrectly sealed or leaky ducts could cause you to pay much more money on cooling and heating, and they may also circulate dust, germs, and other allergens around your house. The result could cause the family to fall ill, and can cause respiratory issues in some.
A ductwork system that is well-designed will operate efficiently and quietly and can be extremely advantageous for families that have young senior citizens or children. It should also be durable sufficient to last for the entire life of your house. Along with being crucial to energy efficiency, having the proper operation of your ductwork will reduce the stress to your HVAC unit thus prolonging its service life and saving money.
Ducts are made from kinds of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. you'll need to choose right one for your needs. Aluminum or steel ducts are both lightweight and heating install sturdy and galvanized sheet metal is resistant to corrosion as well as insects. The most popular choice is fiberglass as it is lightweight and is easy to install in tight spaces. It may, however, not be strong enough to stand extreme temperatures or humidity, especially in humid climates.
In the case of installing ducts is essential that you hire the services of a qualified. They can help you benefit from their extensive experience with ducts and ducts any kind. They'll help in choosing the appropriate size and location to install your system. Furthermore, they'll ensure that the ducts have been sealed properly. Use cloth-backed tape instead and foil, mastic or butyl tapes that have heat-safe labels when you have to do it by yourself.
After putting the ducts in place Also, you must put in the appropriate vents. The vents will help ensure that your ducts won't be overloaded, and it will prevent the air from becoming dry and cold. It's a great method to boost the worth of your home as potential buyers know your HVAC system runs well and in good shape.
Furnace
Furnaces are the heart of any heating system. They can be powered with gasoline, oil and liquified propane (LP) or electricity. They supply heated air via a system of ducts which heats vents in each room of your home. The furnace can be built-in to the structure of your home, or flow through closets and crawl spaces. After the ducts have been installed and the furnace has been installed, it will get going.
When the thermostat, distinct from ductwork, detects a temperature below the setpoint it will turn on the furnace. The furnace will continue to use fuel until your home is in the right temperature. It will then stop. The kind of fuel utilized for different furnaces can have a major impact on your expenses for energy.
Natural gas is used in numerous heating systems today. They are extremely efficient, and come with a controlled exhaust pipe, which reduces the emission. Boilers and heat pumps can be used in addition to central heating. However, they do not function the same way as gas-powered systems.
The new electric furnace operates similarly to the gas-powered furnace, but does not have the same efficiency rating. The combusting process of an electric furnace is less clean, and the exhaust fumes must be controlled so that emissions are minimized.
In areas of the United States where gas is more costly than fuel oil, homes are heated with oil furnaces. Like a gas furnace, an oil furnace has one combustion room, as well as a heat exchanger and the exhaust pipe. Also, an oil pump sprays fuel into the combustion chamber, causing it to start the combustion process. As with a gas heater system, the resultant warmth is radiated throughout the home by the blower.
Once the ductwork is place, your HVAC contractor will put in the new furnace. They'll ensure that the system is connected to electrical and gas cables, then start your furnace. They'll then double examine their work and sweep away any mess. They'll also demonstrate how you can use the brand new system, and also answer all questions that you might have.
Heat Pump
The use of heat pumps has become one of the top technologies for cooling and heating. They don't make use of fossil fuels for the production of the energy needed for heating, like gas furnaces. However, instead they transfer energy through air. An ordinary heat pump could run all year-round, based on the weather you live in.
The system of heat pumps includes two main components: the outdoor unit, which is similar to the compressor in an air conditioner split system, and an interior air handler/fan coil. The air flowing through the system is treated through an expansion valve as well as refrigerant. This system runs on electricity the heat pump transforms into thermal energy via the refrigeration cycle and cools air in summer and warming it in winter.
The heat pump functions similar to an air conditioner, in its heating mode. By using reverse valves you can modify the refrigerant flow. Outside coils are now an evaporator, absorbing heat (even in the event that temperatures outside is quite low) out of the atmosphere and dispersing it into the home. Also, air cooling is provided with the indoor coil which sends cold air through the coil.
Your heat pump works best when you maintain a constant temperature. To avoid wasting energy make sure the thermostat is set at the ideal temperature closely as is possible to ambient temperature, and avoid frequent changes. Clean the air filter regularly for pet hairs to be removed, pollen and dust.
If you choose to install a heating pump, you should select an option that will meet your climate needs and fits your budget. You'll require your Home Performance Contractor Network member to carry out a load test for you to confirm that the unit you choose will be the perfect size for the space you live in. It is recommended to look for models which have Energy Star ratings and Coefficient of Performance (COP) as well as Seasonal Efficiency Efficiency rating (SEER) of 13 or 14 for southern regions.