Are you planning on building a new home or renovating the new home you recently bought? Aside from the size, the location, and the price, one thing that you should consider is the indoor heating options for your home. The heating system should play a big factor in your decision as this can have a significant impact on your comfort, health and your overall energy costs as well.
Today, there are a variety of technologies that are available for heating your home and the only way for you to determine which is the best option for your home is to familiarise yourself with the different aspects of each heating option. To help you out, here are some of the indoor heating options available today and the information that you need to know about them.
1. Indoor Gas Fireplaces
Most homeowners love indoor gas fireplaces as they can make the home interiors look warmer and inviting. But since its combustion and dilution rely on the air drawn from the room and into the furnace, it tends to be an unstable heat source. To remedy that, opt for a fireplace with an outside source of air, great chimney damper, and tight-sealing glass door.
2. Indoor Pellet Stoves
This type of heating system works the same way as wood stoves but this makes use of biomass pellets or compressed wood. As a result, they are thought to be less polluting, more convenient to use, easier to control and offer better indoor air quality. Factors to consider when choosing pellet stoves include the type of fuel used, size, operation, and maintenance, backup power, and added features.
3. Indoor Electric Space Heaters
These heating systems are affordable but their operation and maintenance are quite costly. They work the same way as a clothing iron in the sense that they directly convert the electric current from the socket into heat. Safety features to look for include automatic internal switch, cool-to-touch surfaces, overheat protection, and an automatic shut-off feature. Also, see indoor garage heaters.
4. Indoor Propane Heaters
Some of the benefits of propane heaters indoor and outdoor include portability, instant heat, temperature customization, and versatility. To make the most out of your propane heater, some of the safety features to look out for include locking heat resistant burners, easy ignition systems, manual shut-off, wind or rain-resistant shields, lightweight body, and the oxygen depletion system alert.
5. Indoor Gas Heaters
This is fired using propane or natural gas. Gas heaters are known for their lack of ductwork and for yielding relatively small heat output. Because of this, these are most commonly used for heating a single room only. The best models are those that employ sealed combustion air systems with pipe installations on the wall for providing combustion air and carrying off combustion products.
6. Indoor Heat Pumps
Heat pumps make use of the same refrigerant cycle as an air conditioner does and are considered to be the most energy-efficient as compared to other sources of electrical heat. If your house has no duct system, the perfect heat pump for you would be the mini-split or ductless one. Features to look for include a two-speed motor, a desuperheater, and a scroll compressor.
7. Indoor Infrared Heaters
This type of heaters distributes energy through convection heating and electromagnetic radiation. How well they can produce warmth is based on its size and the amount of quartz filament that it contains. Oftentimes, the heaters are meant only for medium-sized rooms and just for a short term use. Features to look for include automatic shut-off option, overheating protection, timed switch off, and thermostatic control.
8. Indoor Boiler
Boilers have the same efficiency rating as furnaces. This type of heating system is powered mainly by fuel but they also employ electricity in powering their circulating pumps. In addition to providing heat to homes, a boiler can also be an efficient water heating system. When choosing a boiler, you should look for features including low electrical requirements, efficient controls, and modulating aquastats.
9. Indoor Furnace
There are three types of furnaces: minimum efficiency, mid efficiency, and high efficiency. When choosing an indoor furnace, opt for one that has high fuel efficiency, high electrical efficiency, and multi-speed motors.
When choosing between the indoor heating systems that we have mentioned above, some of the things that you should consider include the energy source, the cost of the unit, distribution systems, and the long-term costs.
10. Indoor Kerosene Heaters
Indoor kerosene or paraffin heaters have been around for a long time and the good ones are a safe and affordable way to heat your home. Modern kerosene heaters have come a long way from early models and come in a range of styles and designs. There are different sizes and heat outputs so there is something for all requirements.
You can check out the best kerosene heaters here. The article will also give an idea of the different options, how to select the best model for your needs, and important safety tips.
11. Indoor Electric Heaters
One of the easiest ways to heat a room or an area has to be an indoor electric heater. They are also ideal for supplementary heat if you need a secondary source of heat. Because they simply need a power source they are easy to set up and use. They can be fixed or portable. Some are highly-compact and take up very little space.
Most have a very attractive design that look great in any environment. Some are designed to look like a natural fireplace while others have a sleek modern look. They are easy to set up and use. Modern indoor electric heaters are safe and energy-efficient.
Another great option is a heater and fan combo. These come in handy all year round. Most are compact and portable allowing you to take them with you wherever you need heat or cooling.
12. Indoor Torpedo Heaters
Not everyone is familiar with the term torpedo heaters but the best torpedo heaters deliver powerful heat quickly and effectively. They use forced air and the torpedo design to direct the heat exactly where it is needed.
They are not always the most attractive designed for indoor use but they are built for performance and effectiveness. The power and design make them extremely versatile and they can be used indoors, in the garage, outdoors, or for portable use.
The exterior remains cool so despite the impressive heat they deliver they are safe. This is especially important if you have children or pets.
13. Indoor Radiator Heaters
A good option for good warmth without spending a fortune on running costs is an indoor radiator heater. They are generally portable and can be moved from room to room. The radiator contains oil so although it takes a while to heat up, it will stay hot for a while. This is what makes them a bit more economical than some other electric options.
They normally do not look great but they are not ugly either. A radiator heater is normally a bit larger than some of the other indoor heating options available. You will need to decide on the look and size of the room, your budget, heating needs, and other factors to determine if this is the best option. They are safe and super easy to use.
14. Indoor Electric Fireplace Heaters
An electric fireplace heater gives you the best of both worlds. You have the charm and look of a traditional wood fire with the convenience of electricity. They come in a range of shapes and sizes so there is something to suit and heat all rooms.
They are extremely user-friendly and you simply need to plug them in for fast simple heat. Take a look at the best electric fireplace heaters to find the ideal option for your needs and your budget. The main drawback is that they are generally not that compact but the convenience and looks are hard to beat.
For more information on how to find the best option for your home, check out the electric fireplace buying guide. (note, link not working)
15. Wood Fire
If you have or install a fireplace, a wood fire is an option. A wood fire is a traditional way to heat a room and it often brings a romantic setting to mind. The truth is that, while warm and pleasant, wood firers are hard work. You need to get them started and constantly top them up with wood. They are messy to clean.
A wood fire can also cause smoke in the room if it is not set up or burning correctly. They can also leave an unpleasant smell in the area. The cost of wood will also add up over time. While the idea might seem great a wood fire takes a lot of effort and is not as convenient as any of the above options.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between the indoor heating systems that we have mentioned above, some of the things that you should consider include the energy source, the cost of the unit, distribution systems, and the long-term costs.
Take the time to look at the different options available to get the best solution for your specific needs. Consider the size of the room, your budget, and safety features. We have reviewed only the very best products available in each category so you can rest assured that they are quality, safe, and reliable options.