| Selecting a new home heating system for your | | | | air furnace, a boiler does not circulate air through |
| home is an important decision. There are many | | | | the house, which might make the air inside the |
| factors to consider, such as the age, size and | | | | home feel dryer and stuffier. With rooms with |
| layout of your home, its overall energy efficiency, | | | | vaulted ceilings, radiant floor heat is more efficient |
| location, budget, and even your lifestyle. Do you | | | | and provides a warmer and more comfortable |
| want an integrated system that addresses your | | | | area than forced air heat. The heat remains on |
| heating, air conditioning and air quality needs | | | | the floor where it can be felt underneath all kinds |
| together? Or are you simply replacing or adding a | | | | of floor cover. Heat Pumps Heat pumps are an |
| new system? Other questions include: What are | | | | energy-efficient way of heating (and cooling) your |
| the tradeoffs between up front installation costs | | | | home. In places where gas is unavailable or |
| versus energy costs over the life of the system? | | | | electricity makes the most economic sense, heat |
| Is it worth spending a little more now to save | | | | pumps are your best option. Electric Resistance |
| you a lot more money over time? How will your | | | | Electric resistance heating, typically found in the |
| purchase affect the resale value of your home? | | | | form of baseboard heaters, electric wall heaters, |
| What can you expect in terms of guarantees, | | | | electric radiant heat, electric space heaters, |
| warranties and ongoing service? Here are a few | | | | electric furnaces, or electric thermal storage |
| guidelines that we hope will be helpful. New | | | | systems is often used in multi-family dwellings. |
| Construction or Remodel If you're building a new | | | | The unit has an electric heating element enclosed |
| home or undertaking a major residential remodel, | | | | in metal piping. The heating unit warms air, which |
| look to have a system custom designed to | | | | rises to the top of the room while cooler air in |
| integrate your heating, cooling and indoor air | | | | the room is drawn into the bottom of the heater. |
| quality systems. The architect and engineer on | | | | Each unit has its own thermostat, which permits |
| your project should give you a wide range of | | | | different temperatures in each room. Cost |
| options and explain the pluses and minuses of | | | | Considerations A new heating system can cost |
| each. The relative economy of forced air versus | | | | several thousand dollars. In considering what |
| radiant heat may vary with energy costs. The | | | | system is right for your needs, you need to |
| different types of heating systems to choose | | | | decide on a fuel type, cost, a reliable contractor, |
| from include: Forced Air These types of furnaces | | | | and a sufficient warranty. It may be a good idea |
| provide your home with even heat by circulating it | | | | to ask a reputable contractor to evaluate your |
| throughout your home through ducts. This | | | | heating and cooling needs, particularly if your |
| circulating system is also known as forced air. | | | | system is more than 10 years old. To help decide |
| When purchasing these kinds of heating systems, | | | | the best heating system for you, check out The |
| be sure to request "sealed combustion." These | | | | Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings. This |
| furnaces use outside air to burn the fuel. Not only | | | | guide allows you to calculate economical savings |
| does this increase energy efficiency, but it also | | | | and energy efficiency that will accompanies |
| reduces the possibility of introducing dangerous | | | | various systems. |
| gasses into your home. Boilers A Boiler typically | | | | For more heating tips and information, visit Wolfe |
| heats your home by circulating heated steam or | | | | Plumbing - serving the heating needs of Orange |
| water through a series of pipes and a baseboard | | | | County, NY, including Newburgh and Middletown. |
| or radiator-type heat exchanger. Unlike a forced | | | | |