Winter here in Canada can take its toll on home heating systems. Especially winters like the one we’re experiencing this year!
Here at Shipton’s Heating & Cooling, we have spent the last 100 years seeing this firsthand. There really isn’t any type of winter heat outage that surprises us anymore.
This is why we encourage our customers to make a decision ab-
In this week’s post, we walk you through:
- The three basic types of heat transfer systems.
- The four types of home heating systems.
- The steps in choosing the right heating solution for your home.
Three Types of Heat Transfer Systems
You may or may not recognize these terms, but we can bet you will recognize the types of heat transfer each term describes (this is especially true if you like to cook!).
1. Convection Heating
Convection is the heat transfer system most of us are the most familiar with. This method uses another medium such as air or water to move the heat energy from one place to another.
For instance, have you ever been cooking and seen heat shimmering up from the pan in near-visible waves? That is convection heating at its finest.
Examples of Convection Heating:
- Radiators
- Portable heaters
Pros Of Convection Heating:
- Uses air to move the heat to you.
- Tends to be cheaper to operate.
Cons of Convection Heating:
- Air movement can also move dust and allergens.
- Easy to lose heat through air leaks.
2. Conduction Heating
Conduction is a method of heat transfer that uses direct contact.
For example, have you ever left a metal ladle in a pot of soup warming on the stove? If you come back and try to touch the ladle with your bare hands, the heat will transfer from the ladle handle to your fingers and burn you!
Typically home heating systems do not rely on conduction as a standalone heat transfer system. However, many systems use it as a secondary aid.
3. Radiation Heating
Radiation is a method of heat transfer that relies on infrared radiation to move the heat directly to you.
Examples of Radiation Heating:
- Infrared
- Solar
Pros of Radiation Heating:
- Not allergy-provoking.
- More energy efficient.
- Tends to cost less to operate.
Cons of Radiation Heating:
- Can be expensive to install.
Let’s now turn our attention now to the four main types of home heating systems. As you read, consider which systems might make the most sense for your next major home heating upgrade. Whether that time is now or down the road.
4 Main Types of Home Heating Systems
HVAC technology has advanced to the point where you have several wonderful heating options to choose from. This helps you mix and match fuel type with energy efficiency and heating needs to find the most efficient and affordable system for you.
1. Forced Air Furnace Heating
Forced air heating systems like traditional gas furnaces are the heating type most people are the most familiar with. Here, the term “forced air” is descriptive – any type of heat system that pushes warmed air out at you when you stand in front of it is a forced-air heating system.
Most forced air heat systems take the form of central combo HVAC systems. They operate with an air conditioner and a furnace that share a fan, a blower motor and a system of air ducts, air registers and exhaust vents.
But not all forced-air heating systems require ductwork. Newer ductless mini-split systems offer heating and air conditioning through a low-profile system of wall or ceiling mount air handlers controlled through a system of zones.
2. Heat Pump
Heat pumps today come in three forms:
- Air source,
- Water source and
- Ground source (geothermal).
The most popular and affordable heat pump is always going to be the air source heat pump. They take very little space, are surprisingly affordable and work well even in very cold winter conditions.
But if you have the space, a water source or ground source heat pump can turbocharge energy efficiency to the point where you pay practically nothing each month to heat your home.
3. Radiant Heating
In certain parts of the country and world, radiant heating is still a heating staple. Radiant heating can be delivered in several ways depending on the size of the space and the scope of the heating needs.
Radiant baseboards, wall or ceiling-mount radiant panels and even air-driven radiant heating systems are available.
4. Hybrid Heating
Hybrid heating systems make use of a combined heat transfer approach to deliver heat throughout your space.
Examples of hybrid heating:
- Heating boilers that also handle your home hot water needs.
- Heat pumps with an inbuilt backup electric heating unit.
- A gas fireplace, hydronic (water) or air radiant heating
- All fireplaces.
Hybrid systems can make particularly good sense if you are adding on to your existing home space and don’t want to extend your existing air duct system to heat and cool the new addition.
Hybrid heating systems can also give you more budget flexibility if you have multiple fuel options available in your neighbourhood.
How Much Does a New Furnace Cost?
Ready to upgrade heating and air conditioning now? Reach out for a free, no-obligation estimate on your dream home heating system.
Enjoy savings of $1,200 on a brand new HVAC combo unit with our special winter promotion.
Shipton’s Heating & Cooling Has a Century of HVAC Expertise!
You don’t have to make a big decision like a major home heating purchase alone – we can help!
Our friendly, experienced HVAC technicians are happy to walk you through the pros and cons of a different home furnace, heat pump, radiant heater, boiler, gas fireplace and more. We can also answer all your questions about fuel options for different systems.
Give us a call at 1-905-549-4616 or visit us online to let us know how we can serve you best.
