Electric Heating Systems: What Different Types Have to Offer
Are you looking to save money on your electric bills-especially when it comes to heating your home? Since electric heating options range in complexity, read below for answers to your questions about the efficiency and cost savings of the different types of electric heating systems. If you have any other questions, get in touch with an electrical contractor.
Baseboard Electric Heaters
If your home isn’t connected to a central heating system, baseboard electric heaters-which generally are installed in each room in the home-require no duct work. Although 220-volt baseboard heaters are inexpensive to buy, they can be costly to operate.
However, hardwired electric baseboard heating units cost less to operate than an electric furnace, but they need line-voltage thermostats to control the temperature. Line voltage thermostats are commonly used to power hard-wired baseboard heaters, but both the baseboard units and thermostats should be installed by a qualified electrician.
Additionally, with baseboard heaters, you can have zoned heating that can save you up to 20 percent in energy. Since you are heating individual rooms in your home-which are controlled by separate thermostats-you have the option of heating only rooms that are occupied. Zone heating is most effective when the zones operate independently and are separated from other rooms by a wall and door.
Panel Heating Units
Panel heaters are another electric heating option. Free-standing or wall-mounted panel heating units are efficient and produce more even heat than electric baseboard heaters. Like electric baseboard heating units, panel units give you the flexibility of heating only the rooms that you use, cutting the cost of heating your entire home.
The panels can be plugged into electric wall sockets or hardwired into your electrical system. You can set the temperature and place the panels on a timer to get heat when you need it.
Electric Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use less electricity than electric furnaces and electric baseboard heaters. Because heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, the cost is less than other heating systems to operate.
The continuous flow of heat a heat pump provides helps your home maintain an even temperature. You use less energy because it takes less electricity to move outside air into your home than it takes for other electrical heating systems to produce heat.
Similar to electric furnaces and electric baseboard heaters, if you have a zoned system where you keep different rooms in your home at different temperatures, a two-speed heat pump can save even more electrical energy. By maximizing the efficiency of a heat pump, you will see lower energy bills year-round.
Electric In-Floor Heating
Another more energy-efficient way to heat your home with electric heat is in-floor heating. Professional installation is simple but requires taking up the floors. These thermostat-controlled heating systems can be installed throughout your entire home or in individual rooms. The extent of installation may depend on whether you are planning a major renovation or building a new home.
Electric in-floor heating systems are inexpensive and generate an even heat throughout your home. They are quiet, clean, and can be installed under nearly any type of flooring. The best part is, this electric heating option lowers your heating bills, saving you money over time.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are an easy way to cut heating costs, saving you at least 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs each year. Pre-programmed settings regulate the temperature in your home anytime, day or night. A programmable thermostat sets back temperatures to reduce heating during the times when you are sleeping or not at home.
If you need advice on how to use your electric heat more efficiently, the electrical experts at Chadwick Electric Services will be more than happy to help. Give us a call and find out how you can save money on your electric bills. We can help you with lighting installation, repairs, and seamless transition to LED lighting.
Tags: Basebord Electric Heaters, Electric Heat Pumps, Electric In-Floor Heating, Panel Heating Units, Programmable Thermostats
