As we approach chillier seasons ahead, the cooling bills start to wane but the heating bills start to grow. From the humble woodstove to state of the art thermostat and HVAC equipment, the home with a proper heating system is a warm and welcoming sight. Today we will highlight the most common choices, their effectiveness, and pros and cons.
The Woodstove
Have an old farmhouse or Mid Century Rancher? It is likely that at least one room in the house has wood stove or at least the hook up and flume. Wood stoves are old fashioned, but still effective in heating a single space. It’s not uncommon to find homes with multiple woodstoves if they’ve gone un-changed over time. Some share a woodstove in one space with an HVAC system and even still some share HVAC, woodstove, and fireplace. For the Woodstove, the most important element is to keep the floor and wall nearby as clear of flammable surfaces or decor. Most woodstoves are closable in design, but open ones can still spark and smolder sending some embers into the home space. A room with a stone or brick floor section is the safest choice for a woodstove hookup. A woodstove flume will also need cleaning once every few months due to ash and soot buildup.
The Fireplace
A fireplace is the staple of a warm and cozy home, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, operating procedures, etc. Much like a Woodstove, it can be a very effective way of heating a single space or even a whole home depending on the size and layout. Rather than a flume and stack set-up, most fireplaces employ a chimney instead. Much like a woodstove, a chimney will need regular cleaning to prevent soot and ash buildup causing toxic air quality. If you have a home that features a woodstove and a fireplace, it is against regulation to have both of them hooked up to the same smoke-stack system. Something to keep in mind!
Space Heaters
Electric space heaters are a simple, effective way to heat a small area of your home. They are portable, usually light, and can generate a decent amount of heat. However, the bring their own risks along with this portability and heat. Space heaters pull a large amount of power from your electricity, and can make your heating bill high if run too much. Running one along with too many other devices on the same circuit can lead to overloading a breaker.
HVAC Systems
HVAC set-ups are the most modern and effective way of heating your home. Unlike the other sources, these can also be used to cool your home in warmer months! HVAC systems employ complex and sophisticated air duct, vent, and power systems to heat and cool spaces. Using a thermostat, you can set temperatures to your heart’s desire. Most homes with HVAC systems employ oil heat, and have a limited but large amount at your disposal.
Whatever your home may feature, we here at Will Air possess a wealth of knowledge on the subject and are here to answer any questions you may have, and AC and Heating Connect is another great resource for info. A home featuring a combination of these is a well-heated place, and a cozy space to spend the colder months. We hope you have found this post helpful and informative. Stay safe and warm!