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Retrofit: Heating
In the average household, heating makes up to 63% of a household's average energy consumption. This makes heating a very essential part to a home.
Retrofits which affect the house heating system includes either upgrading the furnance or boiler. Upgrades can be very expensive, but also often the biggest environmental, energy efficency, and cost benefits for those who do. See below for more information on what options are right for you.
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Types
Baseboard / Hydronic / Plenum
Recommended. Hot water is ruin in a system of pipes underneath floor.
Pros
- Reduces a need for a seperate furnace and boiler.
- Takes advantage of energy already produced to heat water.
Cons
- May require upgrading of boiler.
- May be difficult to maintain and repair leaks
Condensing Furnace
Recommended. Whereas lower-end models of furnances will vent out the combustion gases, a condensing furnace will reuse the hot air in a second heat exchanger. In this way, the thermal energy is harnesses more efficently, and off-gases are much safer.
Pros
- Very efficent.
- Releases less emmissions.
Cons
- Expensive to maintain.
Draft Fan
Controls flow of air in order to regulate heat production.
Pros
- Cost less to maintain.
Cons
- Not very efficent.
Spark Ignition
Uses a controlled electric spark to produce heat. This type of furnace is most often seen in older homes.
Pilot Light
Uses a continous gas burner (pilot) to produce heat. Because the pilot needs to be always lit even when not in use, this type of furnance requires the use of a lot of energy.