Home Heating Systems
 
The largest energy consumption found in a home is the heating system. Therefore, choosing a new energy efficient unit is an important decision homeowners must make. Many homes have a central heating system that generate heat at a central point and then distributes it by air, water or steam to the rooms of your home. As a homeowner, it’s important to compare efficiencies and installation and maintenance costs of various heating systems before making the final purchase.

Furnaces

Warm air heating systems or furnaces use heated air to heat your home. The heated air rises through the large supply ducts, and the cool air is pushed into the furnace through cold air return ducts. In the forced air system, warm air is forced into the ducts using a blower.  The heated air then enters the room through registers or diffusers, while the cold air is returned to the furnace where dust and dirt articles are filtered, and the air is then reheated and re-circulated.

Heating Home Using Solar Systems

Choosing the proper solar energy system depends on the design and heating needs of your home. To heat your home with solar energy, you need to decide whether you want an active or a passive system. Active solar systems are collectors that collect solar radiation, and then use electric fans to distribute heat from the collectors. Unlike passive systems, active systems are often more practical since most systems incorporate storage systems to provide heat on cloudy days. Passive solar systems are popular due to their simplicity; however, they are impractical for homes in shady environments. It’s a good idea to consult a professional before installing either of the solar heating systems.

Type of Active Heating Solar Systems
The two basic types of active solar heating systems include liquid and air systems. Liquid systems use water or an anti-freeze solution to capture, transfer, and store heat produced by hydronic collectors. Whereas in air systems air is captured, transferred, and heat is stored and distributed from “air collectors”.  Both of these systems collect solar radiation, distribute, and store heat produced by the collectors.

Boilers or Hot Water Heating System

Boilers work on the principle that hot water rises and circulates from boiler through a large supply to radiators. Due to the weight difference between the hot and cold water, the cold water returns back to the boiler, while a pump distributes the hot water.  The pipes attached to the boiler can be placed either above or below the boiler. The expansion tank of the boiler acts as a cushion of air from heated water to expand to alleviate the pressure.