No matter where you live, during the winter months you need a home heating system that you can rely on to provide you with a comfortable indoor temperature. But around 29% of the cost of a maintenance bill can be represented by the energy used for heating.
29% of the maintenance can be represented by the energy used for heating. iStock photo
Thus, when choosing which will be your next heating system, it is important to analyze all the factors and choose the most efficient one according to the particularities of your home, because this decision will influence the cost of your bills for a long time.
The most efficient heating method depends on factors such as local costs and apartment type, but the most efficient options are generally gas systems with a modern boiler or underfloor heating, especially when combined with programmable thermostats to save energy.
Electric options such as air heaters or heat pumps can also be an efficient choice, but the initial costs or electricity consumption may be higher.
What types of heating systems are there?
There are many types of home heating systems that can be classified by certain factors, such as the type of fuel used or the space to be heated.
Heating systems can generate heat using:
– Gas;
– Electricity;
– Wood.
Depending on the space to be heated, the heating systems can be:
– Centralized heating system;
– Heating system for one room.
Electric Heating Plants
One of the most popular ways of heating is connecting to an Electric Heating Plant (CET). This is the ideal solution for cities with many homes, as it is the least polluting option.
Unfortunately, there are areas in Romania where there are no such plants and where they are available, the infrastructure is not well developed. There are many old pipes that can cause damage that, in the middle of a cold winter, can leave you without heat.
Although they are more environmentally friendly compared to apartment boilers, you will not be able to control when the heat turns on and off, so you will not enjoy the desired comfort.
Advantages of electric heating plants:
– Advantageous cost for heating in the cold season;
– A more environmentally friendly solution compared to heating systems installed separately for each home.
Disadvantages of electric heating plants:
– Defective infrastructure;
– You cannot control the heating level.
Thermal power plants
Central heating is another heating solution that can be used for both apartments and houses, but you should know that there are several types. Thus, power plants can be classified according to the type of fuel used:
– Thermal power plants on gas or LPG
– Electric thermal power plants
– Thermal plants that use solid fuel such as pellets, coal, wood, etc.
Gas or LPG thermal power plant
The gas boiler has the advantage of small dimensions and can be easily integrated into a smaller space. Moreover, depending on the model, you can control the temperature inside with a thermostat or even with an app on your phone, which will help you not to consume energy when you don't need heating.
The price for such a power plant varies depending on its capacity (how much space it can heat efficiently), functions (connectivity, noise level, efficiency class).
There are two types of gas-fired thermal power plants, condensing and classic, but the latter are no longer available in the European Union due to the noxes they emitted into the atmosphere.
The next step in installing a heating system is choosing the elements that will radiate heat to the interior. The good news is that gas central heating can work with underfloor heating or radiators, so you have the freedom to choose the most comfortable option for you.
Advantages of gas thermal power plants:
– High energy efficiency if you choose a class A power plant;
– Long life if properly maintained.
Disadvantages of gas thermal power plants:
– The initial cost is high if there is no prior installation;
– They produce condensation that can affect operation.
Electric thermal power plant
If there is no easy access to natural gas in the area where you live or you do not want to use this type of resource, you also have power plants at your disposal. Unlike gas plants, electric plants can only provide heating, not hot water.
The price of an electric plant is similar to that of a gas plant, but electric ones can run on energy from renewable sources and are environmentally friendly because they produce no emissions.
Advantages of electric thermal plants:
– Reduced dimensions;
– It also works with sustainable energy such as that from solar or wind panels.
Disadvantages of electric thermal power plants:
– High purchase price;
– They only produce heating, not hot water.
Heat pumps
The heat pump works on a principle similar to air conditioning. Basically, it extracts the heat from the air, water or soil by means of a fan or plastic pipes, which it then transfers to the interior.
Heat pumps are very efficient and can work even when temperatures drop well below 0 degrees Celsius, but they have a high price that can be an impediment for most consumers.
Advantages of heat pumps:
– Long lifespan, up to 50 years;
– Low maintenance costs.
Disadvantages of heat pumps:
– High cost for acquisition;
– Complicated installation process.
Which are the most efficient heaters: underfloor heating vs radiator
Although most homes are equipped with radiator heating systems as standard, more and more people are turning to an innovative and efficient solution: underfloor heating. For the operation of such a heating system you need:
– Heat source: underfloor heating can work with several sources such as heat pumps, various types of boilers, etc.
– Supply and control system: depending on the type of underfloor heating (with thermal agent or electric agent) you will need thermostats, sensors, recirculation pumps, sensors and expansion vessels;
– Radiant surface: more precisely the greased floor where the pipes will be installed.
Underfloor heating systems are about 25% more efficient than classic ones with the help of radiators and offer you increased comfort, as the heat rises from the ground and heats the entire room evenly and efficiently.
To find out how long it takes for the floor to heat up, you have to take several factors into account, such as the heat source, the type of heating, and the type of floor.
Regarding the question “how much does underfloor heating cost”, the price for the initial installation is higher than that with classic radiators, but over time you will notice that you will save energy.
In order to find the most efficient heating system for you, it is important to be aware of all the available options and to analyze important factors such as the location and size of the space, access to various types of fuel, efficiency, price and impact on the environment.
