How To Get Central Heating In 3 Steps
Central heating is the most efficient method of heating for most houses. This system will allow warm air to circulate through all the rooms of your home, no matter how large it is. Compared to other methods of heating, like space heaters, central heating can save you a lot of money while keeping your whole family comfortable. Here are the steps you'll need to go through in order to get started with central heating:
1. Find out if you already have the ducts you need.
If you already have central air conditioning, you're in luck. It's likely that the same air ducts used for your AC can also be used for central heating. You can talk to your HVAC expert about reusing the same ducts and consolidating your system into a central HVAC system with combined heating and cooling. If you don't use your air conditioner often, you may want to have your ducts inspected before you proceed with the heating installation process.
2. Choose your heating method.
Central heating systems can utilize furnaces or boilers to generate heat. Boilers work by heating water, which retains heat very well. The hot water is then used to create radiant heat in radiators throughout your house. Some boiler systems distribute heat through pipes in the floor, which can help your feet stay toasty in winter. Radiant heat systems have the advantage of not requiring air ducts, which can save you money if you don't already have ducts in your house.
Furnaces are used in forced air heating systems, where air is heated before being distributed through air ducts. The air comes out of vents in the floor, ceiling, or walls in each room of your house. Furnaces can be powered by natural gas, propane, or even electricity. The type of furnace you choose will depend on whether you have access to natural gas and your general preferences.
3. Hire a heating installation service.
A professional heating installation service can install a furnace or boiler in your house. You can choose where this appliance is installed, although your heating expert may have some suggestions for you. Most people prefer to place their furnace or boiler in their basement. In homes where basements have been converted into living spaces, the attic or a utility closet can be used instead. If you're using natural gas, your furnace or boiler will need to be installed somewhere near a gas line.
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