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4 Top Central Heating Options

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Before installing a central heating system in your home, it is important to look at various heating options and compare them with your heating needs. If your house has an energy efficient design, the amount of heating you will need is not high. Conversely, if your house was not designed to be energy efficient, you are likely to pay more bills for heating.

1. Central heating

It is designed to heat all rooms in the house. If your house is built in energy efficient manner you are likely to benefit more from a central heating system. Its main drawback is that some rooms could be heated when there is no occupant and it allows for more heat loss.

2. Hydronic Systems

In this system, hot water is circulated to radiator panels to supply heat. This water can be heated by gas, electricity or wood. With this method, It is easy to control the amount of heat and it is relatively cheap to maintain. If you want to reduce the cost of running your hydronic heating system, ensure the pipes are well insulated. The main drawback of hydronic systems is that the installation costs are relatively high.

3. Ducted Reverse cycle air conditioning

This system is powered by electricity and it has a compressor installed with ducts distributing heat to all rooms or the rooms you want to heat in the house. It is a very efficient heating and cooling method though it is expensive to install. In slab floor heating, concrete slabs are heated by electricity from off-peak cables or hot water. This type of heating system is usually installed during construction or renovation of your house.

4. Ducted gas central heating

A gas furnace heats air, which is supplied to rooms in the house using subfloor or roof ducts. The floor ducts are usually more efficient for heating. This is because hot air will rise and so with ducts from the ceiling, some heat is lost.

If you decide to install a central heating system in your house, here are a few tips that can help you make your house more energy efficient

  • Insulate your roof and ceiling. This will help reduce heat loss and your heater will be more effective and efficient
  • Seal the chimney whenever the heating system is on.
  • Draught proof your house and always close external doors and windows whenever the heating system is working.

Before deciding on a central heating option, consult air conditioning experts on whether central heating or space heating is the best option for your house.


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