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Every Home is Unique
When you think HVAC, you likely think of a traditional forced-air heating system, made up of a furnace, an air-conditioner and a separate hot water tank. While this system is still ideal in some settings, there are many other heating designs available today that may be better suited to your individual home and preferences.
So what makes a home unique? There are a number of factors that come into play when designing a heating system, including availability of natural gas, the size and type of windows used, the space available for routing ductwork, the overall heat loss and heat gain of the home, and most importantly, the homeowner’s preferences.
These preferences relate to:
Choosing the Right System for You
One of the most common questions we get asked by our builders and clients is: What is the difference between my options? And we get it! It’s complicated. This article is intended to provide a high-level comparison of our 3 most common systems for those who want to learn more about their options.
When we refer to a traditional forced air system, we are referring to a furnace and air conditioning unit, which provide heating and cooling to the home via a duct system. The hot water tank is a separate, individual unit.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Install This System
This system is better suited to smaller homes with simple heating requirements. It is also ideal for those who are looking for a lower upfront cost in exchange for a slightly less efficient system with a very simplistic design.
Hydronic heating refers to water (or liquid) heat transfer, whereby a boiler or other unit heats the liquid, which is then circulated through the home to provide heat. There are many different hydronic heating configurations. The first configuration we will look at is a gas-fired boiler with air handlers.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Install This System
We install hydronic systems most frequently in larger, custom-built homes. These homes often have plans for floor warming, snowmelt and/or pool heat, so tying the space heating into the hydronic system with air handlers makes sense. A hydronic system is also ideal for those who are willing to pay a little more upfront for an efficient, long-lasting system that will provide ultimate comfort, and for those who value its aesthetic appearance.
A geothermal system utilizes naturally occurring elements to heat the home by using recycled energy from the earth (a geothermal heat pump) or from the air (an air-source heat pump) in tandem with electricity and refrigerant to generate heating and cooling. These heat pumps are extremely efficient, hovering around 300-400% efficiency, compared to modern condensing boilers which are between 95-98% efficient. The absence of gas, and therefore emissions, also makes it a very eco-friendly option. The price for these systems can be steeper upfront, but they can significantly reduce your monthly heating bill and will typically pay for themselves in savings in 10-15 years*.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Install This System
This system is the perfect choice for those looking to build a net zero home or reduce their carbon footprint, and for those who are comfortable paying more upfront for the long-term monthly savings. In particular, they are ideal for homes with existing or planned floor warming in order to maximize efficiency. These are also a fantastic option for cottages and homes in rural areas where there is no access to natural gas. Propane can be very costly to run all winter, and a heat pump can drastically reduce that monthly heating bill and remove the need for regular propane deliveries.
Can I have a hydronic system for in-floor heating and a traditional forced air furnace and A/C system for space heating?
Yes! You can absolutely use two separate heating systems for two different uses. However, if you’re already planning to install a boiler with a full mechanical system for the in-floor heating, then it may make more sense to tie-in air handlers for space heating rather than installing furnaces. This way you only have one system to service and maintain, rather than having completely separate units and systems to worry about.
How is the geothermal/air-source heat pump system so much more efficient than the other options?
Geothermal systems extract energy from the ground (geothermal heat pump) or the air (air-source heat pump), which is then cycled through a compressor to create heat. By transferring heat rather than generating it, heat pumps require less energy than a boiler or a furnace to heat the same amount of space.
Which of these systems require ductwork?
As described here, all of these systems require ductwork to cycle warm and cool air throughout the home. However, if you are interested in limiting the amount of ductwork there are other options available, such as utilizing in-floor heating as a primary heat source. However, it is important to note that all homes need the ability to cycle air, so if you opt not to use a duct system, you will need to choose another method of cycling air, such as a ductless split. The design and the ability to do this will depend on a number of factors unique to the home. If you’d like to explore the option, send us a message and we can discuss the project to help you decide if it’s the best choice for you.
Have more questions? Give us a call or send us a message. We know that every project is unique and we’re happy to help you decide which system is best for you!
* These values are estimates based on industry averages. The statements made here are intended to be used as a guideline and are not a guarantee of unit lifespan or total cost savings.
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