Winter is just around the corner! That makes this the perfect time to explore your heating options for your home. Fortunately, comfort and efficiency can go hand in hand when it comes to keeping your space warm. The following is a comparison of the most popular home heating options—here’s how to find your perfect fit:
Electric Heat
From heat pumps to portable heaters, and from furnaces to boilers, your electric heating options may seem endless. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of installing an electric heating system in your home:
Pros:
easy maintenance
no carbon monoxide
no flammable vapors
Cons:
higher electric bills
lower overall temperature
inoperable during a power outage
Natural Gas
Natural gas has been in use as a heating utility in America since 1816. It is also the most used fuel for heating homes, making up 49% of overall fuel usage for heating! Here are your pros and cons:
Pros:
fast, powerful heat production
less expensive than most other fuels
clean and efficient
Cons:
high cost of gas line installation
frequent professional maintenance
highly flammable
Heating Oil
Heating oil is a product of liquid petroleum that is mostly used for boilers and furnaces. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the primary use of heating oil is space heating. If you are considering adding a space heater to your home, consider the following:
Pros:
non-explosive
high BTU output
long system lifespan
Cons:
expensive
high maintenance
large footprint
Wood
Logs, wood pellets, and wood chips are renewable biomass that can be used to produce heat. These fuels are the original sources of domestic warmth dating back thousands of years.If you are using your fireplace as your main heating source, here are the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
inexpensive
renewable and sustainable
Cons:
large storage area
disposal of ash and waste
Customize Your Home
Your home is the most important variable when choosing a heating system. In what kind of climate is your house located? What is the overall age and layout of your home? How effective are the windows and insulation? Hopefully, the consideration of questions like these and the corresponding information shared here will provide you with the information you need to better understand which heating source is for you.
Simply contact Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical at (717) 207-9952 and we will find the perfect home heater for you!