With how warm the weather is right now, it’s perfectly understandable if heating your home is the last thing on your mind. That doesn’t mean that it’s something you should put out of your mind altogether, though. If your home’s heating system is old, now may be the perfect time to start saving up to have it replaced. But what should you replace it with?
Furnace
Furnaces are the most common heating system for homes in America. Furnaces work by heating air which is then delivered throughout the house using a system of air ducts to provide warmth to each room. Electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil are all options that can be used to provide power to a furnace system. Furnaces typically last 15-20 years before needing to be replaced. Make sure you check the filters on a regular basis. Replace them regularly as well to help keep your system running efficiently.
Boiler
The name of this system serves as something of an indicator as to how it works. A boiler heats water, transforming it into steam. The steam is then delivered through a series of pipes to radiators throughout the house to provide heat. As it cools, it condenses back into water. The water then returns to the boiler as it cools to cycle through again. Generally speaking, boilers use natural gas or oil as fuel. Boilers can last as long as 30 years, roughly double the lifespan of a furnace. Make sure you have it serviced regularly to keep things running smoothly.
Radiant Heat System
Does putting your feet on the cold floor in the morning make you never want to leave your bed? Radiant heat systems make it so that you don’t have to worry about that anymore. This heating system is installed on the floor of your home and works by transporting heated water through a system of pipes to warm up the floor (and your feet). It’s a pretty efficient system, and easy enough to control, though usually best installed when the home is being built, rather than after it’s finished. It’s expensive, but the 30-45 year life expectancy helps offset that.
Winter is when the most strain is put on your home’s heating system. Unfortunately, that also means that it’s most likely to go out when you need it most. Becoming familiar now with different types of heating systems helps you know which one is going to be best for your home so you can make the right choice and properly maintain it when the time comes. Remember, it’s important to take care of your home so it can take care of you.
Home inspections can be a great way to check up on your home’s heating system. Check out our Home Inspection Cost Estimator to see how our different home inspection packages measure up to your needs.