Ensuring you have the correct heating system in your home in Sandy Valley is not just about comfort; it's also about energy efficiency and saving money. The local climate—with its cold, snowy winters and warm summer weather—leaves a homeowner with a number of good options for a heating system that can do the job well at a reasonable price. Our assessment of the most common types of heating systems includes energy efficiency ratings, estimated costs, advantages, and disadvantages. These are the most suitable options for the kinds of homes that we see here in Sandy Valley, which range from standard to custom builds and from older homes to new construction. And while these systems can deliver comfort and save you money, the best way to ensure that you have the right one is to talk with a qualified local heating professional.
Furnaces are one of the most prevalent kinds of heating systems found in the Sandy Valley area and are well known for their ability to perform strongly in cold weather. Most of the models currently in operation are high efficiency, which means they convert a high percentage of the energy they consume into usable heat. In other words, they have a low energy wastage factor; this modern phenomenon has more to do with improvements in technology and design than it does with any new energy sources. Furnaces mainly operate on natural gas, propane, or electricity. Homes that have existing ductwork can often switch to furnaces as a straightforward and somewhat cost-effective option.
Heating floors of any type are very efficient and have the advantage of being relatively low-tech. These largely electric systems avoid the need for many components found in hydronic systems. At their most basic, electric floor heating wires are simply arranged in a mesh that sits below the floor (and above any joists, if applicable). The wires are energizing to produce infrared radiation, which essentially heats the floor materials above them; most electric system efficiency limits usually stand somewhere around 75 percent to 80 percent. Radiant heat, incidentally, travels in all directions, which is why the heat tends to "rise" if the system is installed in a ceiling. Floor surfaces can be installed over wood, tile, stone, or other materials, but electric systems are limited to working primarily with using metal as a heat conductor.