What is the disadvantage of heating system?

Central heating systems provide warmth in a home or commercial building from one location to many different locations. They are often combined with other heat systems for optimum control of the building’s temperature and can be an efficient HVAC unit.

The system includes the central heating boiler, the furnace coil, the thermostat and condenser coil, heat exchanger, air conditioner, and any associated ductwork. Many newer models are capable of supplying warmth throughout the entire building by using multiple energy sources that can include furnace air, central air and the condensing cycle.

There are two general types of heating systems for properties; either electric or gas. For those who are located off the gas grid the most common energy source is oil, instead of natural gas. Each has its benefits and disadvantages that will be discussed below.

One of the main reasons for purchasing a central heating boiler is because of the long life span. When used properly, in a well-insulated home or commercial premises it is also economical to use in comparison to other distributed systems. Many homeowners consider a central energy source with hot water pumps used to heat radiators or underfloor heating to be the best solution for saving energy and money. This is because of its ability to reduce energy bills while at the same time increasing the comfort level of your home.

One of the major benefits to central heat is the fact that it can provide warmth in all areas of the home. Because the boiler (furnace) source is located in just one place in a building, the central units can be high-investment technology of high efficiency which are more efficient in warming the home compared to many other systems.

In the past, central heating was thought to require more energy to operate than sources such as electric room heaters, propane cylinder fired radiators, or individual oil stoves. However, today many experts agree that the costs of using central heat in comparison to other energy sources is much less expensive than many people believe. Today, the majority of modern central room temperature control units are electric or some type of alternative energy source and as a result provide the same warm temperatures throughout the home as the traditional units.

Another great benefit of using central heating units is that most of the high-end systems come with two or more thermal output options including hot water cisterns, furnaces (also known as boilers), and air conditioners. Investing in a central advanced energy efficient boiler/ furnace can provide more effective space heating. Control is better and energy use reduced when rooms have individual thermostatic control and all are turned on and off from one location. Gas or renewable energy can be used. All of these elements help to reduce costs while reducing noise and energy bills at the same time. This type of system offers greater flexibility when it comes to temperature controls for those who live in a small apartment.

Central heating systems also offer several benefits to businesses. In addition to helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in the office or home, they also provide a sense of security against breakdowns. This is due to the fact that the systems do not rely on direct sunlight (solar panels), to warm the building.

Another good reason to use a central boiler (thermal output unit) is that they come with a host of built-in safety devices such as a thermostat, automatic shut off, and a manual emergency shut off or emergency power-down switch. They are all run by computer based control systems with timers to deliver the warmth when it is needed, and not when the temperature rises above the required level. Almost without exception they also come with remote temperature control handsets which allow you to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust it without having to get out of bed, or the chair you are sitting in.

The disadvantages of traditional heating systems are the maintenance requirements that it takes to operate these more complex systems. If you choose a newer “condensing” or “fuel-cell” central boiler (furnace) unit, you will gain from the cost savings from higher efficiency of fuel use. You might also be saving the planet by using alternative energy sources for your energy needs.

If you choose gas instead of electricity, you will save money each year on your energy bills since you will not need to purchase any additional equipment such beyond a boiler (furnace), heat exchangers, or natural gas to warm your home. A good rule of thumb to follow is to consider the average home’s square footage of your home, multiply this number with the energy unit price times the square foot. That way you can determine how much you will need to spend on your home’s energy bills every month in order to have a comfortable home.

In addition, a lot of people want a heating system that also includes some sort of air conditioning in their homes for the hot weather. However, central heating systems may also come with an air conditioning option. But, always remember that in cold climates it is most important to consider whether your warmth needs are provided for first. Only second is the question whether or not you want a system in case of prolonged hot weather.

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Which Heating System is the Best Solution for Your Home?

Everyone enjoys a warm, cozy home during the cold winter, preferably with an efficient, easy-to-maintain heating system that isn’t too expensive to install or run.

This article will review the most commonly used heating systems and their benefits and drawbacks, including the pros and cons of heat pumps, geothermal heating, electric heating and more.

How to Choose the Right Heating System

If you are considering changing or upgrading your heating system this year, there are a few things you should consider, such as:

• Budget – for initial outlay and ongoing costs.

• Is there ducting or pipework in the home, or would you consider installing it?

• Is your home connected to a gas line?

• Is the gas more expensive to use than heat pumps?

• How much ongoing maintenance and cleaning are you prepared to carry out?

• What is the climate like where you live? 

Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps as a Heating Source

Heat pumps don’t create heat but rather work to move heat from one place (the air outside) to another (inside your home) using a refrigerant that converts from gas to liquid and back to a gas again as it heats and cools.

There are two different main types of Heat Pumps

Ducted heat pumps – a single outdoor unit draws warmth from the outside air. This energy/heat is transferred to a single indoor unit, which distributes the warm air throughout the home via ducting.

Pros of Ducted Heat Pumps:

• If existing ductwork is utilized, installation costs are relatively low

• Uses less energy to deliver more heat than other options

• Effective and efficient – delivers consistent heat

• System can be reversed to cool your home during the summer

Cons of Ducted Heat Pumps

• Installing ductwork is expensive and time-consuming and not even possible in all homes

• Ducts require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure dust and allergens are not being spread throughout the home

• Air temperature cannot be adjusted in specific rooms always easily

• Less effective in freezing climates when poorer quality name brands are chosen

Ductless heat pumps – also known as mini-split heat pumps. These systems are made up of wall-mounted indoor evaporator units (heads) linked to an eternal unit via a simple refrigerant line. Single-zone or multi-zone units are available depending on the size and layout of your home.

• Can be quick and easy to install with no major construction 

• Offer the ability to heat or cool the home in each room or zone but not usually simultaneously

• Very energy-efficient when reputable name brands are selected

Cons of ductless heat pumps

• High upfront costs if many heads are selected – although some of these can be offset with

  rebates

  depending on where you live

• Indoor units need to be maintained with regular filter changes

• Some people don’t like the look of the indoor units, although several different options are available to best suit your space

Check out this article by HGTV to see if ductless heating and cooling is right for you.

Geothermal Heating Pros and Cons

Geothermal or GeoExchange heating systems utilize heat via pipes laid in the ground, in ponds, a lake or ocean water to warm and cool your home. This heat is then distributed around your home via a forced air or in-floor heating system.

Pros of Geothermal Heating

• GeoExchange systems are the most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly way to warm or cool your home

• Little to no maintenance is required once installed

• Geothermal systems have a very long lifespan

Cons of Geothermal Heating

• High initial expense – although these costs are quickly recovered through energy savings

• Outdoor space is required for laying of pipes 

Radiator Heating Pros and Cons

Radiator-based heating systems use a boiler to heat water or create steam which is then circulated via pipes to wall-mounted radiator units or floor vents in each room. The boiler can be powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity in these systems.

Pros of Radiator Heating

• Flexible heating – each room temperature can be set using the thermostat on the radiator unit

• A quiet system requiring minimal maintenance

• Energy-efficient when temperature controls are used effectively

Cons of Radiator Heating

• Heat distribution is slow and can be uneven

• Radiator units can be intrusive and take up wall space in a room

• Requires pipework which is costly to install

• The boiler requires regular maintenance and is twice to three times as expensive to run as Air to Air or GeoExchange heat pumps are

Oil Heating Pros and Cons

Heating oil can fuel hot water, steam heating boiler systems, or furnace-based forced air systems. Oil tends to be used for more rural properties that may not have access to natural gas lines or knowledge of the energy efficiency of heat pumps or the rebates available.

Pros of Oil Heating

• Heating oil is stable and safe when stored correctly

• It burns at the hottest temperature and so heats your home faster with less fuel

Cons of Oil Heating

• Oil must be purchased, delivered and stored in a tank on site 

• Oil prices are high compared to other fuel sources

• Higher levels of upkeep required

• Burning oil releases harmful chemical emissions into the atmosphere consisting of CO2, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide

In-Floor Heating Pros and Cons

In-floor heating systems use either electric wires or hot water pipes (hydronic heating) installed directly in or under the flooring of your home to deliver continuous and even heat.

Pros of In-Floor Heating

• Rooms warm evenly without hot or cold spots

• Very little maintenance once installed

• Can be energy-efficient when combined with smart thermostats 

Cons of In-Floor Heating

• Existing flooring will need to be lifted or replaced for installation

• Initial costs can be high, especially if choosing the hydronic (water) option

• Can take a while to heat up 

Electric Baseboard Heating Pros and Cons

Electric baseboard heating uses electrical resistance to create heat without ducting or pipework. Individual baseboard units are placed in each room, usually low to the ground and close to windows, to combat heat loss.

Pros of Electric Baseboard Heating

• Easy to install, meaning relatively low initial costs

• Allows for different temperatures in each room

• No furnace or boiler required

Cons of Electric Baseboard Heating

• Inefficient – can lead to very high energy bills

• Units can be unsightly, and placement can interfere with furniture 

• Safety hazard – electric coils inside units can be hot to the touch. This causes a risk of house fire and the possibility of young children burning themselves on the hot coils. 

Choose an Expert to Help Install your New Heating System

If you need advice on which commercial or residential heating system is best for you, consult professional heating experts such as Lockhart Industries. We have over 405 years of experience offering heating and cooling solutions to the Victoria and Duncan, BC areas. We know the best solutions for the local Island climate and homes.

Contact us today to discuss your home heating and cooling needs with our knowledgeable and experienced team.