If all that you know about your home’s heating system is that it keeps you cool in the winter, then it’s probably time to take the extra step and learn a bit more.
Not every homeowner has to be an HVAC expert like Whitton Cooling and Heating in Oro Valley, but it is vital to identify what heat and cooling systems are in your home to extend their life expectancy and lower the cost of warming your house. Once you understand the basics of your heating system, you will know more about how to clean and maintain it and how to have it run at its optimal efficiency.
So, if you have ever wondered, “what type of heating do I have in my home,” the professional technicians at SM Mechanical Services have your back with this handy list covering the most commonly used sources of heating in houses.
Learn more about heating systems here.
Heaters and Furnaces
Of all the commonly used home heating systems, propane heaters and furnaces are the most frequently occurring. Sometimes called ‘forced air systems,’ these popular in-home heating options work by burning propane, natural gas, or using electricity to create warm air and distributing that throughout the house via air ducts.
In most cases, if you have a heater or a furnace, it will be located in the attic, basement, crawlspace, or closet.
Heat Pumps
Similar to some furnaces, air to water heat pumps use electricity to pump warm air through your home’s ductwork. However, there are some critical differences between heat pumps and electric heaters.
For starters, many modern heat pumps have ductless options, which can increase their efficiency as the air will not need to traverse awkward ductwork. Further, most heat pumps also produce cool air, which can double as air conditioning and a traditional gas heating furnace.
The majority of heat pumps are composed of two components, one outside the house and one inside. The easiest way to tell if your heating system is a heat pump is by looking for that outdoor component, which should have a label identifying its brand name and model.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
One specific heat pump style is a geothermal system, which works differently from a traditional heat pump.
Rather than electricity, geothermal heat pumps use the natural outdoor climate to either heat or cool your home, limiting any harmful emissions and making them energy-efficient.
Boilers
These heating systems produce warm air for homes by making steam out of stored water, traditionally using gas, propane, or electricity in rarer instances. Some boilers double as water heaters as well, producing warm water while heating your home.
You can tell a boiler apart from other heating systems by identifying its two distinct parts: the furnace, responsible for providing the heat, and the water storage vessel.
Radiators
Radiators are most common in older homes and buildings and typically work alongside boilers. A radiator might appear to be a big, clunky, confusing machine, but how they work is quite simple.
Radiators typically connect to a series of pipes from a home’s central heating system. Hot water then flows through the pipes into the radiator, then into the boiler, back into the radiator, and so on, heating the building through a process known as convection.
Radiators traditionally come in sealed metal casings.
Package Units
Package unit heating systems are the do-it-all temperature control devices.
Often installed on the roof of homes, package units use either gas or electricity to provide warm and cool air throughout the house. That air travels through the ductwork in your home, similar to a furnace or heater. You will not need any additional furnaces or other equipment to heat your home with package units.
The Perks of Knowing Your Heating System
Hopefully, we have answered that lingering question of “what type of heating do I have” with this list. And if we have, you might now be wondering what to do with your newfound knowledge.
As we mentioned earlier, simply knowing what kind of heating system your home uses can provide a wide array of benefits, including some of the following:
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
Every one of the standard household heating systems has its unique traits. No two operate the same, meaning that cleaning them and keeping them functioning will require different maintenance and materials.
Being familiar with your heating system will allow you to learn more about how to take care of it properly, minimizing the need for repairs or replacement.
Lower Power Bills
Having an inefficient heating system can be a hassle in the winter when you want to get your home warm at a moment’s notice, but it also might be costing you more than you realize.
Heating that takes hours to get your house adequately warmed is a strain on a power bill. However, heating systems can regain some of their original efficiency through maintenance, which is easier to perform once you understand what kind of system your home uses.
Easier to Replace
Not every heating system is the same. Some are more antiquated and require more energy, while more modern solutions are energy-efficient and better for the environment. But if you don’t know the difference between heating systems, you won’t know whether or not you want to replace your current one.
Once you gain a solid understanding of the pros and cons of different heating systems, you can start to decide which options are better for you and your home.
Call SM Mechanical Services for Heater Help Today
Even with basic background knowledge of heating systems, maintaining and keeping your home’s heating running can be challenging. But whether you need advanced heater help or are still asking the question, “what type of heating do I have,” the professional technicians at SM Mechanical Services are here to help.
For over 15 years, our HVAC experts have been helping clients in Glastonbury, CT, repair and maintain optimal performance for their heating systems.
To schedule an appointment with the best heating and cooling company in Glastonbury, call today at (860) 530-2792.