Home Heating – What Heating Systems Should be Considered?

By  //  September 19, 2022

How to heat your home? The closer to the heating season, the louder this question sounds in the minds of homeowners. Some of them are already preparing to heat their homes in the summer, accumulating fuel for stoves, which will help in the fight against colds.

Others are a little less calm and tear their hair out at the thought of a sudden jump in electricity bills. Although September spoils us with sunshine and warmth, the drop in temperature is noticeable.

You can take advantage of heating system replacement in Sacramento, CA, and other states and read this article from Alphamechanicals. After all, those who do not want to be surprised by sudden frosts are already making possible upgrades. It’s time to check which heating installations are the most efficient and economical, and at the same time comfortable and safe for the environment.

Home heating – electric heating

When considering how to heat a house, it is worth remembering that electric heating is not the most expensive method available. Heating with electricity works especially in small apartments or in well-insulated houses where the temperature inside does not drop below ten or so degrees during the heating season. If you want to heat your home all year round with electric heating, you need to prepare for higher electricity bills.

Heating with electricity can be autonomous and the only source of heat or additional in case of underheating of the premises.

The availability of different types and sizes of heating devices gives you a lot of freedom in this matter. Systems for electric heating include convectors with natural or forced circulation, heating panels (bio-convectors), stoves, oil heaters, heating mats, and films for modern walls and floors. 

What are the advantages of installing electric heating at home

 general access to electricity;

■ convenience – the device only needs to be connected to a power source;

■ cleanliness, because the devices do not emit toxic compounds or by-products that must be removed;

■ time-saving – we do not need to spend it on buying fuel for the boiler;

■ ease of use of the equipment;

■ the possibility of free transfer of selected heating devices;

■ any temperature control in the room;

■ the ability to connect different electric heating systems in the house and set the temperature using one controller.

What are the disadvantages of electric heating at home

■ high cost of electricity;

■ the need for regular inspections – the electrical installation must be 100% functional to prevent fire;

■ dependence on the electrical network – any failure in the network or power outages mean no heating in the apartment;

■ an incorrectly selected electric heating system may not be enough to heat the entire room;

■ after a long break in the operation of the installation, the air in the room heats up for a long time;

■ if the heater is turned on in one room, other rooms are cold or underheated;

■ some electric heaters (electric boilers) require changes in the installation and connection of the three-phase power supply, then the power distributor should be asked to increase the power distribution for heating. 

What type of electric heating at home to choose and which will be the most economical

When deciding on electric heating at home, it is worth considering the efficiency of the heater. In this case, the most effective will be the heating that allows you to maintain the optimum temperature in the house with the lowest energy consumption. 

Accumulative furnaces 

This type of electric heating is usually used with two-tariff meters when electricity prices are lower at night. At low prices, the heat block in the middle of the furnace accumulates heat and, depending on the needs, gives it to the room, providing the required temperature without consuming electricity. The disadvantage is that the room will warm up for a long time until it reaches the optimum heat.

Convector heaters (bio-convectors)

Electric convection heaters work on the principle of natural heat transfer into the room. Air is drawn into the heater where it is heated. It then spreads evenly throughout the room. Convector heaters are typically classic portable heaters that can be placed in any interior or hung on the wall.

Bio convector solutions are best suited for small rooms (where the floor area does not exceed 30 m2) or as a supplement to another heat source. They are also effective devices for the electric heating of the house. The disadvantage of this type of equipment is that it heats the air only in the place where it is installed.

Safety when using convection heaters

Heaters should be equipped with a thermostat to turn on when necessary, but also not lose. The devices automatically shut off in case of failure or overheating, which increases the safety of use. It should also be remembered that this type of heating panel is not suitable for use in the bathroom, next to the bathtub, sink, or shower.

When placing an electric heater in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom, you must pay attention to the appropriate placement. Special safety rules must be observed in the children’s room.

To heat the air throughout the interior, place the heater next to an exterior wall, preferably under a window, where cold outside air flows through leaks. When installing the heater or hanging it on the wall, it is necessary to ensure free air movement – the device should not be covered or covered with anything.

When installing the convector on the wall, remember that the distance from the floor and walls should be at least 10 cm (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer).

Electric boilers for electric heating of the house

To install an electric boiler, you need an efficient electrical installation and connection to the network, that is, just an electrical outlet and central heating installation. The latter is necessary for the heat to reach all rooms. Electric boilers do not emit pollution and dust, so they are safe and clean.

They can be installed in any room, which gives some freedom. The disadvantage of this type of solution is the price of the boiler itself and its installation. Some models of electric boilers have many additional features that not only facilitate everyday use but also help to reduce operating costs.

Electric boilers with a control panel allow you to choose the optimal temperature within certain limits (usually 20-85 C); there are sensors, necessary safety fittings, or an expansion tank for water.