Economical Heating Options

Forced Air System

• Many homes have either a boiler or furnaces as the main heating source. This type of unit draws air into the furnace through a cold-air return duct. The furnace conditions the air and redistributes the heated (or cooled) air through the ducts branching off to different rooms. The furnace operates by a variety of fuel sources, such as oil, electricity, propane and natural gas. However, natural gas units can provide homeowners with efficiency as high as 97 percent, which work out better in cold climates. In moderate regions with moderate temperatures, 80 percent efficient systems may offer the most overall cost savings.

Active Solar Heat System

• An active system must provide between 40 percent and 80 percent of a home's heating needs to make the investment pay off in terms of economy. A more expansive system costs less to install. Homeowners can realize even more savings by expanding the system to provide hot water. This is especially the case when replacing less efficient and expensive fuels like electricity oil and propane. A few states offer homeowners' tax credits, tax exemptions and various deductions for the new solar heating installation. The property owner must select a solar heating system appropriate for the site and heating needs of the home.

Geothermal Heat Pump

• This type of system offers an excellent option for replacing forced-air furnaces in homes located in moderate climates. Geothermal heat pumps use ground-source water to move heat between the home and the nearby water source. The system works by pulling heat from water because the groundwater remains at a constant 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The system pumps warm water into the home, removes the heat, and returns the cold water back to the earth. The electricity and the blower inside the pump use less energy than conventional forced-air systems. The system costs more to install, but the low operating costs make up for the difference. The installation must take into account the lot size, the subsoil makeup and the surrounding landscape.

Hydronic Floor Heating System

• The hydronic floor heating system offers the most economical unit in the area of radiant heating. It offers balance and comfortable heating, unlike most heating systems. Often installed during new construction, the system consists of tubing secured to the plywood subfloor. The installer covers the tubing with about 1½ inches of lightweight concrete. The tubes connect to a boiler that heats the water, circulates it through the system and transfers the heat to the rooms. Cool water returns to the boiler and re-creates the process. Although the system works with other fuel sources, natural gas provides the most efficiency. Cover the concrete with floor coverings such as tile, carpet or hardwood.