Be it cooking or transport, everywhere people are changing priorities. Shifting from fuel based appliances or vehicles to other alternatives. So that energy sources and environment can be saved.
Here is a list of best alternative home heating options. Know their features and decide what you want.
Best alternative home heating options
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal use underground heat to keep the home warm during the winters.
Underground temperature will depend on the location of the house. Usually it ranges between 45°F to 75°F during anytime of the year.
Why you should choose Geothermal Heat Pumps
During winters underground temperature is warmer than surface temperature. That’s why house warming during winters will be comparatively easy through geothermal pumps rather than through air source. Because in that case air source will have to first warm cold air from the outside then maintain that heat.
Advantages
- It has a lifespan of 25 years
- It can cover the cost difference with in 5-10 years.
Disadvantage
- Geothermal system has very costly installation as compared to air source system.
- It takes time and effort as installation requires ground drilling, installation of heat transferring coils and connect it with nearby body of water.
Pallet Stoves
Pallet stoves use wooden and organic compounds to heat an entire house. Due to different sizes, it produces heat between 8,000 to 90,000 BTU/hour. Which is more than enough to make an entire house comfortably warm during winters.
Why you should use Pallet Stoves
Pallet stoves are efficient enough to warm an entire house. This is one of the best alternative home heating option. Pallet stoves are made up of wooden compound which is mixed with other organic components. Such as nut shells and corn husks. That’s why it is called as cleaner Pallet stoves because it is not contributing to the environmental pollution.
Advantages
- Very easy to install as compared to usual wooden stoves or fireplaces
- Cost effective
Disadvantages
- Requires daily, weekly and yearly mentainence
- Need to fill it daily
- Stove requires weekly cleaning
- Professional cleaning annually
Under-floor Heating
Under floor heating works by removing the heat loss that often happens when hot air crosses the ductwork. It is 15% more powerful than traditional boiler-powered radiators.
Why you should choose Under-floor heating
Under-floor heating can save your energy cost as it eliminates the heat loss. It does not require solar power. So no need to install solar system. It’s a better option for homes undergoing re-construction or even a new home under construction.
Advantages
- Beneficial for people with allergies as it doesn’t blow air within your home
- Cost effective and organic
Disadvantages
- Installation requires replacing or may be removing floor coverings (in case there are tiles or hardwood)
Solar Heating
Solar systems are not just affordable nowadays but are popular as well. Gone are the days when solar heating used to come under big budgets. Solar systems work on thermal energy. It has heating and cooling mechanism from sun instead of oil, electricity or natural gas.
Maximum systems are made up of hot water storage, solar collector and insulated piping. And solar collector will be installed at an open space, usually out of the house. Where it is exposed to sun.
Why you should choose Solar Heating
Solar Energy Industries Association says your investment return on solar system installation will complete with in 3-6years. So it’sa one time Investment and long term output.
Advantages
- Environment friendly (as it’s a renewable energy source)
- One time Investment, long term output
- Reduce dependency on fossil fuels and reduces air pollution
- Saves energy sources
Disadvantages
- Costly Installation
Hybrid Furnaces
Hybrid furnaces use electricity as primary source and fuel as secondary source (usually natural gas). It keeps on switching as per demands. During winters, when temperature falls, then outside thermostat and sensors activate to warm the environment.
Why you should choose Hybrid Furnaces
It is useful in mild climatic conditions where temperature very rarely falls below 30°F.
Advantages
- Uses natural gas, so cost effective
- No mentainence cost
- Easy to install
Disadvantages
- Need to re-fill frequently
Wood Stove
Wood stoves are supplement heat source so that you are not dependent on electricity or fuel. It works by burning wood and warms the entire house.
Why you should choose
If you do not want to spend money on installing a heating system then this is one of the best alternative home heating options. Also, best when you living in a rented house.
Advantages
- Cheap, and cost effective
- Saves energy resources
- Easy to install regulate and maintain
Disadvantages
- Need to be cautious of fire incidents
- Need continuous wood supply
Soapstone Heaters
Soapstone is a heat absorber, which slowly absorbs heat. You need to put it near a heat source may be your stove or heater. Once it is heated then it will radiate the heat into the environment.
Why you should choose Soapstone Heater
It’s a great and harmless bed warmer. It can warm your house or room by just using the radiated heat (or by utilising secondary energy)
Advantages
- Doesn’t overheat easily (so safe option)
- Do not require special fuel or electricity
- Cost effective
- Environmental friendly
Disadvantages
- Takes time to heat-up
All of the alternatives mentioned above are best alternative home heating options. Some work on coils, some on sun and some on natural gas. All are environment friendly and hence you should go for anyone. Checkout their advantages and disadvantages and choose accordingly.
