Do you hear your basement furnace howling all through the winter time? That means it’s working hard, possibly too hard, to heat your home. It may be time to upgrade to a natural gas heating system that is both energy efficient and cost effective.
Natural Gas and Energy Efficient Heating Systems
When deciding on which type of natural gas heating system to choose, there are generally two options: the first is a forced hot air furnace, and the second is a boiler that radiates heat through water. There are pros and cons with each system which are outlined below:
Forced Air
This form of natural gas burner heats air that is directed through ductwork by fans throughout a house. Forced air is the most common type of natural gas heating system.
Pros:
- Tied to cooling system
- Quicker heat
- Filter system built in
Cons:
- Minimum efficiency
- Requires more maintenance
- Noise
Radiant Heat
While forced air is the distribution of warm air, a radiant heating boiler sends hot water or steam through pipes in the form of a radiator, baseboard, or floor inlaid tubing. The cooled water is then returned to the boiler to be reheated.
Pros:
- Evenly distributed warmth
- Warms cold surfaces
- Easier to zone or control
Cons:
- Cost more to install
- Unsightly baseboards
- Separate from A/C system
Depending on the size of your house, you’ll need to make the right decision between these two for the most cost-effective natural gas heating system. While the startup costs for a boiler might be more than the cost of forced air installation, overall the savings by using radiant heat can save you money in the long run.
With forced hot air, even if it is using the same ductwork as the cooling system, the heat may not be as energy efficient. While radiant heat specializes in heating objects in a room, more energy is expended when warming air. Both options are helpful in the winter when subzero temps outside require efficient and thrifty heating sources. In either form, natural gas is the better method for domestic heating, so looking into your options today.