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Home > Energy Efficiency Tips & Tools > Heating and Cooling > Buying a Heating System
Buying a Heating System
If you're building a new home, or replacing your heating system, you
should consider all of the options available to you. Each system has its
own advantages and limitations, so look for the one that best meets your
needs.
Types of heating systems
Forced air systems
Electric furnaces that deliver heated air blown by a fan through a
network of ducts, are known as forced air systems. Because the fan is
literally forcing air through the ductwork to the rooms, this type of
system does not depend on natural convection to distribute the heated
air evenly throughout your home.
| Benefits |
- Heat is delivered rapidly
- Air continually circulates
- Inexpensive to install
- Flameless, eliminating the need to re-light pilot lights
- The ductwork which supports this system can be used for central
air conditioning and/or humidification
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Hydronic or hot water systems
Hydronic or hot water systems use heated water or steam which is circulated
from a central boiler through pipes to radiators in the rooms of the house.
| Benefits |
- Where space is a constraint, boilers are more compact than a
forced air furnace.
- Zone heating is possible.
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Electric room heaters
There are several types of electric room heaters which can serve a variety
of applications.
| Benefits |
- Convenient for a home with no basement or crawl space.
- Low maintenance.
- They provide individual room temperature control.
- Safe, clean, and efficient.
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| Baseboard heaters |
- Easily installed, usually on exterior walls below windows
- Thermostats can be built-in or located on a wall in the same
room
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| Forced air wall inserts |
- Designed with fans, ideal for enclosed spaces or high humidity
areas such as bathrooms and kitchens
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| Floor inserts |
- Designed to be installed in front of floor length windows and
patio doors
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| Cabinet convector heaters |
- Installed in wall partitions or fitted into confined spaces
such as entrances, stairwells, or landings
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