When you make purchasing decisions, what is the most important factor? Is it always the cost? Or are you willing to consider other factors? I want you to keep your answers in your mind as we talk a bit about what type of heating system is best for your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home.
There are choices
For decades, the majority of American homes have been heated by forced air systems. They blow warm air through a system of ducts. The heated air can come from a furnace or electric heat pump. A forced air system will do a fine job of heating your house, but other available choices could put a little more luxury in your life.
Radiant heating
This type of heating system will cost you a little more money upfront, but many people swear by it because of the comfort and efficiency. Radiant heating has been around in one form or another since the days of the Roman Empire. Today the most popular form is in-floor radiant heating. Water, heated by a boiler, is pumped through tubes installed under your floor. The warmth from the floor radiates throughout the room.
The benefits
Now you are asking, “Why should I spend more money on radiant floor heating when forced air heating seems to work just fine?” Climate Control Company can think of several reasons:
- No noisy blowers & fans—In forced air systems these are what blow the warm air around the house along with dust and allergens. Floor heating is totally quiet as the heat slowly warms all the objects in the room.
- Even heating—This is a common problem with forced air systems. The upstairs is too hot, and the downstairs is too cold. Those problems disappear because radiant heating is much more evenly distributed.
- No floor registers or return ducts—You have complete freedom to arrange and decorate as you please. No worries about covering up the registers, meaning you can put the sofa or entertainment center in any location you want.
- Custom control—Radiant floor heating can be easily zoned, meaning each room or area can be set to different temperatures. Zoning is possible with forced air systems, but it’s much more difficult to accomplish.
- Energy savings—Radiant heating is generally 25% more efficient than forced air. A big reason is because there is no ductwork that can allow the heated air to escape before it gets to the living areas in your home.
There’s no wrong decision
I perfectly understand that for many people cost is the number one factor in purchasing decisions. For those people, a forced air system may be the best choice. Climate Control offers several furnaces and heat pumps to keep you warm. However, as the years go by, the greater efficiency of radiant heating will offset the higher cost AND you will have the added bonus of a more comfortable Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO house. Call Climate Control Company to find out if radiant heating is right for you. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great heating and cooling information like this.
