Efficient Home Heating Options

• However mild or severe winter may be in your area, installing an efficient home heating system isn't an option...it's a necessity. Traditional home heating sources that require fossil fuels such as wood and coal-fired heaters and fireplaces have their drawbacks, because they are neither efficient nor environment-friendly, and consume far too much energy than their contemporary counterparts available today. Thankfully, there are a number of efficient home heating options that can keep you and your family warm during those cold winter months while maintaining a safe, healthy environment indoors.
  
  

Gas Heating Systems

• Gas heaters deliver instant warmth and are available in a range of options, which include fixed, portable and central heating units. While fixed and portable gas heaters are ideal for single-room heating, a central heating system will provide uniform temperature up to the desired comfort level throughout your home, in a few minutes. For better energy efficiency and flexibility, a gas-powered central heating system can also be zone controlled to heat specific areas or rooms of your home. What's more, central heating systems deliver better air circulation, raise the flow of fresh air into your home, reduce condensation and humidity and eliminate musty odors and stale air. Moreover, gas heaters are environment-friendly, as they use LPG and natural gas. These fuels have been scientifically proven to emit far less greenhouse gases than traditional home heaters or those that use fossil fuels to generate electricity.
  
  

Heat Pump Systems

• Although comparatively expensive to install, heat pumps are one of the most energy efficient home heating systems, among other home heating options available today. Heat pumps work by drawing in the heat present in the air outside and then using it to warm the air present inside your home. They can perform similarly even when outside temperatures are cool or cold, but to a lesser extent. Heat pumps are available in different sizes, ranging from thermostat-controlled, whole-house central heating systems that require ducting, down to single-room heating units. Some heat pump units are equipped with pollen and dust-removing air filters, which are helpful for asthmatics or people prone to allergies.
  
  

Solar Heating Systems

• Solar heating systems harness the free and limitless supply of renewable energy from the sun--one of the safest, purest and environment-friendly energy sources available today. Although the cost and installation of solar heating systems are comparatively higher, they are a cost-effective long-term investment when compared to other home heating options that come with recurring power and fossil fuel bills.
  
  Solar home heating systems are available in two types: active solar heating and passive solar heating, although the former is recommended because it has far more heat-generating capacity than the latter. An active solar home heating system is comprised of three units: a solar panel or collector to receive solar energy, a solar energy storage unit and a heat distribution system for efficient dispersion of heat to all or specific areas of your home.
  
  Sun energy-absorbing solar panels (collectors) are usually installed on the roof of a home. Therefore, for efficient distribution of hot air around your home, it is advisable that the ceiling have hot air outlets. In this manner, not only will the hot air outlets supply solar heat to the interior, the air will also be circulated in ceiling-fan-like fashion. Moreover, ceiling-placed air outlets will also significantly shorten the length of duct runs.