Of the four main fuels used to heat US homes, natural gas is the most popular and now the cheapest, as well. A decade ago, gas cost about 80 percent of an equivalent amount of oil; it now costs less than half of oil, as oil prices have risen and America's boom in natural gas drilling has kept gas prices low.
The electric furnace is the second to cheapest option at $3,040 while the electric boiler is the cheapest option at $2,500. Though the gas boiler is most expensive to buy at $3,500, the heat pump has the highest installation cost of $4,000, which nudged it to the top of the pile in terms of overall initial cost.
The 7 Cheapest Ways To Heat A Home
- Buy an energy-efficient space heater.
- Buy a smart thermostat.
- Use credit cards to pay your utility bills.
- Sign up for budget billing.
- Insulate your attic.
- Invest in warm clothing.
- Consider installing solar panels.
Electric heaters are one of the most expensive forms of heating. The Energy Saving Trust say the cheapest way to heat your home is by using an efficient gas central heating system, with a full set of thermostatic radiator valves, a room thermostat and a timer.
Boilers and Radiant Heating Systems
Radiant floor heat is the most popular option, and it works best when paired with ceramic tile as the floor covering. Since it transfers heat without using air ducts, a boiler and radiant heating system can heat your home without circulating allergens throughout the house.When choosing a new heating system, there are several factors that should be considered:
- Fuel Type or Energy Source. In most parts of the country, natural gas is the most popular space heating fuel.
- Distribution System - Forced Air vs. Hot Water.
- Efficiency.
- Overall Cost.
- Furnaces.
- Boilers.
- Electric Heat Pumps.
7 Home Heating System Types
- Furnace (forced air distribution system) With a furnace (usually powered with gas), air is forced through a series of ducts.
- Boiler (Radiator distribution system) Boilers are another common heating system.
- Heat Pump.
- Hybrid Heating.
- Ductless Mini-Splits.
- Radiant Heating.
- Baseboard Heaters.
Commonly referred to as “forced air,” furnaces are the most common heating systems found in homes. Air is heated in the furnace using gas, electric, propane or oil and then distributed throughout your home using ductwork and vents. You can find your furnace in the basement, attic, crawl space or closet.
7 Best Eco-Friendly Ways To Heat Your Home
- Geothermal Heating. Energy Star, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, has reported that geothermal heating is one of the most efficient and effective heating technologies known today.
- Passive Solar Heating.
- Wood Stoves.
- Masonry Heating.
- Heat Pumps.
- Upgrade The Insulation.
- Thermal Shades.
Central heating boilers
The pump for the boiler does not normally give off RF emissions. However, some do have wireless heating controllers, which can be significant sources of RF, especially if frequently- occupied chairs are nearby.In simplest terms, today's hydronic heating is an energy efficient home heating system that uses tubing to run a hot liquid beneath the floor, along base board heaters, or through radiators to heat your home.
7 Best Eco-Friendly Ways To Heat Your Home
- Geothermal Heating. Energy Star, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, has reported that geothermal heating is one of the most efficient and effective heating technologies known today.
- Passive Solar Heating.
- Wood Stoves.
- Masonry Heating.
- Heat Pumps.
- Upgrade The Insulation.
- Thermal Shades.
The hydronic system simply heats water and moves it through sealed pipes to radiators throughout the home. The sealed system can also be used to heat towel rails, floor slabs, even swimming pools, anywhere where it is needed. Hydronic Heating heats water at its source via super energy efficient Gas Boilers.
According to Energy Star reports, geothermal heating is the most environmentally friendly and efficient way to heat your home. This does require, however, an upfront investment into a geothermal heating system.
