Consider These Three Factors When Shopping for Your Next Residential Heating System

Posted on: 4 March 2021

Whether you're building a new home or are letting go of an aging heating system, the heating options available to you can be downright overwhelming. Yet, you can't afford to make the wrong choice because heating installation or replacement is a costly investment.

Different kinds of home heating systems come in different sizes, models and budgets to accommodate different homes. Below are the main considerations for choosing the correct space heater for your needs. 

Efficiency

The various types of home heating systems deliver heat to homes in different ways and at different levels of efficiency. Although modern versions of nearly all types of heating systems are generally much more efficient than their predecessors due to improvements in heating technologies, home heating still accounts for a large percentage of the total household energy usage. For this reason, you should care about the energy efficiency of your heating system. 

The higher a heating system ranks on the efficiency scale, the less energy it'll use to achieve the indoor temperatures you desire. Ultimately, you may be better off spending more up-front on a high-efficiency model that will save you lots of money over the long-term due to the reduced energy usage.

Fuel Type

Like other parts of your home's HVAC system, your heating system will require fuel to operate. There are several types of fuel that can be used to heat up your living space, but the most common ones include:

  • Natural gas
  • Heating oil
  • Electricity
  • Solar energy

Each fuel option has unique pros and cons that should be taken into account before deciding which one is best for your needs. Generally, most Australian households use natural gas because it's readily available and is relatively inexpensive to use compared to alternative options like electricity. However, other fuel sources may or may not be suitable for your home depending on your situation. 

Life Expectancy

No heating system has an infinite lifespan. At some point, they all have to be replaced. Fortunately, manufacturers of heating systems usually explain how long their products can last when installed and maintained properly. As such, whenever possible, aim for the most durable heating solution for your budget to maximise the value of your investment.

Choosing a new heating system for your home is a big decision. The wrong heater may struggle to keep up with your home's heating demand and may lead to huge utility bills down the line while the right one will provide you with all the heat you need without hurting your wallet. If you need professional help choosing the right water heater for your home, contact a local HVAC technician.

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