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Heating Systems
In most homes in this country, heating is the largest energy expense. In colder
parts of the country, heating accounts for 36 percent or more of annual energy
bills. Depending on where you live, reducing the amount of energy used for heating
may be your most effective way to lower your home's energy bills.
Heating systems basically replace heat that is lost through your home's shell. How much energy your heating system requires to replace that heat depends on four factors: the climate where the house is located, the home's size, how energy-efficient the house is, and how energy-efficient the heating system is. You can't do much about the first two factors. Climate and size are not easily changed. But, you can do something about the last two, improving the energy efficiency of the home itself and specifically, its heating system. This section introduces the various types of heating and distribution systems, looks at ways you can make your home's heating system more efficient, and provides pointers on how to select a new heating system.
There are a variety of heating systems and combinations of systems used in homes. They can be classified either by the type of energy used to produce the heat, like electricity, oil, gas, wood, coal or solar, or by the mechanism used to distribute the heat throughout the home, including hot air, hot water, and steam. In general terms, heating systems convert a fuel (oil, gas, coal, wood) or an energy from (electrical, solar, wind) into heat. The conversion takes place in one or more locations within the house, and the heat produced is then distributed throughout the living space.
Central heating systems have three basic parts: the heating plant where fuel is converted into heat, a distribution system for delivering heat to where it is needed, and controls to regulate when it operates.
And Furthermore . . .
| Operation
Efficiency Improvements Electric Heating Systems |
Heat
Pumps Geothermal Heat Pumps Air Distribution |
