Long gone are the days when the only way to heat our homes was either with a furnace or a boiler heat system. Today, people have a wide array of options to choose from. One would think that it would be easier now that we can pick a heating system, have someone set it up, and that’s it. However, with the increased number of choices, you also have to think harder to figure out the most efficient heating system for your NYC home. For example, some could cost more but require less money for maintenance, and vice versa.
Factors that affect the efficiency of heating systems
To better understand what heating system to use for your NYC home, you need to learn more about the types of heating systems and the factors that affect their efficiency. The most common resources people use to heat their homes are:
- gas;
- oil;
- electricity.
Furthermore, it’s necessary to consider the factors that will boost the efficacy of these systems:
- ductwork;
- airtightness and sealing;
- controls.
Let’s see how all these elements work together.
Gas furnaces
Using natural gas to heat up your home is one of the cheapest options today. Natural gas has become affordable over the years, and it is used in most homes. Your local company will provide the gas pipeline and supply you with it. The downside is that gas often does not extend to rural areas. If your NYC home does not have a gas line, always call a professional to install it instead of doing it yourself, even if you have some experience. A lot of things can go wrong.
Oil furnaces
Unlike gas, oil heating systems are costly. Similarly, the local supplier sends oil in bulks and stores it in a container, either in your building or in the area. The oil in the main container gets distributed evenly, so it can reach your pipes. However, the oil level requires frequent monitoring, so it does not run out on a cold day.
Electrical energy
If you wish to reduce your carbon footprint and reduce oil or gas consumption, the best way is to heat your NYC home with electricity. However, keep in mind that the monthly bills will depend on your electricity company. Electrical heating systems can also cost a bit more. Another thing to consider is that the efficiency of an electrical heating system can never go above 100%.
Do a home inspection before you pick your heating system.
If you want to know what the most efficient heating system for your NYC home is, it is crucial to do the home inspection first. A professional can check your entire home and hunt for little details that could hinder or improve a particular heating system’s efficiency.
Ductwork
Any leaks in the ducts will result in heat loss in your place. That means you will always have to spend a lot more resources to heat your home. Using more resources means spending more money.
Hire a professional to seal all the connections with metal screws to prevent air loss. Furthermore, you need good insulation in the ducts.
Airtightness and sealing
When doing a home inspection, it is crucial to look for gaps or holes that allow for the hot air to get outside. That usually happens around doors or windows or where you have pipes or wires in the wall. Also, check the connections between the house frame and the foundation, and the attic. To boost your heating system, use caulking or other materials to seal the gaps.
Check temperature control systems.
One of the more attractive options among NewYorkers is to install programmable or smart thermostats in their homes. With that, you gain a lot of control over your heating system. You can set the exact time when to heat the place and when to turn it off. Furthermore, you can save a lot of money by not using heating at all when there is no need. These systems also prevent you from forgetting to turn the heating off when you go out or while you are on vacation.
Another reason why you need a professional plumber to check if the control system is functioning properly is to prevent any heating issues. If your thermostat is not working as intended, it could quickly ramp up your monthly utility bills.
Ductless HVAC systems
Another option at your disposal is to use a ductless HVAC system. The benefits are that you can install them in any room and have complete control over the usage. You can control the airflow from one room to another and heat all rooms equally. Furthermore, you can also use them to cool down the place during a scorching summer day.
Are you looking to buy a home in NYC?
If you are planning your relocation to the Big Apple and considering buying a home, it is crucial to decide what heating system you want. Depending on your preferences and the budget, some homes might be a better f
Long gone are the days when the only way to heat our homes was either with a furnace or a boiler heat system. Today, people have a wide array of options to choose from. One would think that it would be easier now that we can pick a heating system, have someone set it up, and that’s it. However, with the increased number of choices, you also have to think harder to figure out the most efficient heating system for your NYC home. For example, some could cost more but require less money for maintenance, and vice versa.
Factors that affect the efficiency of heating systems
To better understand what heating system to use for your NYC home, you need to learn more about the types of heating systems and the factors that affect their efficiency. The most common resources people use to heat their homes are:
- gas;
- oil;
- electricity.
Furthermore, it’s necessary to consider the factors that will boost the efficacy of these systems:
- ductwork;
- airtightness and sealing;
- controls.
Let’s see how all these elements work together.
Gas furnaces
Using natural gas to heat up your home is one of the cheapest options today. Natural gas has become affordable over the years, and it is used in most homes. Your local company will provide the gas pipeline and supply you with it. The downside is that gas often does not extend to rural areas. If your NYC home does not have a gas line, always call a professional to install it instead of doing it yourself, even if you have some experience. A lot of things can go wrong.
Oil furnaces
Unlike gas, oil heating systems are costly. Similarly, the local supplier sends oil in bulks and stores it in a container, either in your building or in the area. The oil in the main container gets distributed evenly, so it can reach your pipes. However, the oil level requires frequent monitoring, so it does not run out on a cold day.
Electrical energy
If you wish to reduce your carbon footprint and reduce oil or gas consumption, the best way is to heat your NYC home with electricity. However, keep in mind that the monthly bills will depend on your electricity company. Electrical heating systems can also cost a bit more. Another thing to consider is that the efficiency of an electrical heating system can never go above 100%.
Do a home inspection before you pick your heating system.
If you want to know what the most efficient heating system for your NYC home is, it is crucial to do the home inspection first. A professional can check your entire home and hunt for little details that could hinder or improve a particular heating system’s efficiency.
Ductwork
Any leaks in the ducts will result in heat loss in your place. That means you will always have to spend a lot more resources to heat your home. Using more resources means spending more money.
Hire a professional to seal all the connections with metal screws to prevent air loss. Furthermore, you need good insulation in the ducts.
Airtightness and sealing
When doing a home inspection, it is crucial to look for gaps or holes that allow for the hot air to get outside. That usually happens around doors or windows or where you have pipes or wires in the wall. Also, check the connections between the house frame and the foundation, and the attic. To boost your heating system, use caulking or other materials to seal the gaps.
Check temperature control systems.
One of the more attractive options among NewYorkers is to install programmable or smart thermostats in their homes. With that, you gain a lot of control over your heating system. You can set the exact time when to heat the place and when to turn it off. Furthermore, you can save a lot of money by not using heating at all when there is no need. These systems also prevent you from forgetting to turn the heating off when you go out or while you are on vacation.
Another reason why you need a professional plumber to check if the control system is functioning properly is to prevent any heating issues. If your thermostat is not working as intended, it could quickly ramp up your monthly utility bills.
Ductless HVAC systems
Another option at your disposal is to use a ductless HVAC system. The benefits are that you can install them in any room and have complete control over the usage. You can control the airflow from one room to another and heat all rooms equally. Furthermore, you can also use them to cool down the place during a scorching summer day.
Are you looking to buy a home in NYC?
If you are planning your relocation to the Big Apple and considering buying a home, it is crucial to decide what heating system you want. Depending on your preferences and the budget, some homes might be a better fit for you than the rest. Now that you understand what factors affect heating efficiency and how much they can cost, you should be able to make an informed decision.
A quick summary of the most efficient heating system for your NYC home
With everything said, every heating system has its advantages and disadvantages. Gas is cheap but not accessible in rural areas; oil can heat up your place really fast, and electricity helps reduce the carbon footprint, but both cost more. With the other mentioned factors that can boost the efficiency or reduce the heating quality, the decision will depend from home to home. The most efficient heating system for your NYC home depends on your priorities and possibilities. Whatever option you choose, it is imperative to have a programmable thermostat to control the heating process easily.
it for you than the rest. Now that you understand what factors affect heating efficiency and how much they can cost, you should be able to make an informed decision.
A quick summary of the most efficient heating system for your NYC home
With everything said, every heating system has its advantages and disadvantages. Gas is cheap but not accessible in rural areas; oil can heat up your place really fast, and electricity helps reduce the carbon footprint, but both cost more. With the other mentioned factors that can boost the efficiency or reduce the heating quality, the decision will depend from home to home. The most efficient heating system for your NYC home depends on your priorities and possibilities. Whatever option you choose, it is imperative to have a programmable thermostat to control the heating process easily.