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Winters in many places can be freezing cold, so you have to be wondering, what can keep your living room at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of December. Although most homes have a central heating system installed, it can be confusing to understand the various parts.

In the following article, we’ll go through three of the most used heating systems: heathers, boilers, and furnaces. We’ll explain the difference between the three of them and what heating system can be the best choice for you.

The Definition of a Heater Is Broad

It can be difficult to define the term heater. It is a generic term that refers to a device that heats up an area. The Roman Empire was the first to develop the central heating that we know of today. Romans had an underground source for combustion, which was distributed through holes in the ground and pipes running along walls.

Today, we have a more modern approach to central heating as the unit has a place for the heating device, usually in the attic or basement. This is where heat is generated and distributed throughout the building. This method is common in commercial buildings, apartments, and houses.

Because of the broad definition, many devices can be called heaters. Here are just a few examples of home heating options:

• Gas or wood-burning fireplaces
• Solar heating systems
• Portable heating devices
• Radiant heat systems
• Boilers
• Furnaces

What Is a Furnace?

A furnace is an enclosed space that has electric or gas heaters. The heaters are used to generate warmth and distribute it throughout the space. The air in a furnace gets heated up by the heaters and then blown across the room through ducts or vents.

A lot of people most commonly use furnaces to efficiently heat up their place. However, proper installation is essential for the furnace to work as it should. That’s why you’ll need to find the right local services for installation and maintenance. For instance, if you live in a big city like Ottawa, Canada, you should look for a reputable furnace installation Ottawa company that will install your furnace and offer services such as repairs and maintenance. 

Furnaces are economic and efficient which is why people use them so much. They can be used in living and commercial spaces. Their main job is to provide a warm and comfy environment in winter, but can also be used as a way to regulate room temperature. Typically, you can find them in both residential and commercial settings. Furnaces come in different styles and sizes, depending on your needs, such as how much heat you need or the type of fuel you use.

What Is a Boiler?

Boilers are similar to furnaces, in that they create and distribute thermal energy from one central location. However, boilers heat your home with water and not air.

There are two main types of boilers and they can run on gas, electricity, or wood. 

• Hot water boiler. The water flows through the vessels and it gets warmed up, but not boiling hot. The warm water goes through the pipes in your floors, radiators, and baseboards, heating them in the process.
• Steam boiler. They warm up the water to a degree where it evaporates and turns into steam. The steam is sent to the pipes across your house, and as it cools down it turns liquid again. Once the steam is back to liquid again, it is sent back to the boiler and the process is repeated. 

How Do I Know Whether I Have a Furnace or a Boiler?

There are several differences between furnaces and boilers, and thanks to this article, you’ll be able to differentiate between the two of them.

• Radiators or vents. If you have cast-iron radiators, then you have a boiler. If you have a furnace, then your home has vents on the ceiling or walls, and warm air blows through them.
• Location. Boilers are placed in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, while your furnace is typically placed in your basement or attic.
• Size of the pipes. Boilers are typically attached to smaller pipes, while the furnace has a large, round pipe that comes straight out of it.
• Size of the object. Boilers are normally measured in kilowatts. But the size of a furnace can extend all the way up to your ceiling.

Bottom Line

Modern central heating systems use a furnace, boiler, or a combination of both in order to create warmth. Without them, a central heating system wouldn’t make much sense. As winter approaches everyone must think about how to keep their home warm this winter. So, make sure you choose the right solution for you and your home. 

The wide variety of heat radiators available has certainly left buyers spoilt for choices. But, it also overwhelms a lot of people, as they get confused when choosing the right one for their home. The fact, however, cannot be denied that having a heat radiator is essential if you live in an area that has a colder climate. Regardless of the fact if your home is insulated or not, it will be tough for you to live in it if there’s no heat radiator. Among different types of radiators, there has been a significant increase in the popularity and demand for vertical radiators. Also known as upright and tall radiators, these are known to offer abundant benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the major ones:

1. Suitable for Every Room

Vertical radiators are suitable for every room. Whether you’re looking for a radiator for your living, bedroom or even bathroom, you can opt for this. Due to their sleek and slim design, they do not take a lot of space; thus, they leave a lot of room for customised interior design.

For example, if you have a living room with large windows, it can be hard to decide on a place for horizontal heaters. This, however, isn’t a problem with vertical radiators. Their compact size allows them to be adjusted anywhere seamlessly, without covering a lot of space. And the best part? They look appealing as well.  

2. Optimal Use of Wall Space

The use of vertical heaters allows optimal use of wall space. You can use them without disturbing the existing décor of your home or moving your furniture. As they do not consume a lot of space, the room doesn’t look too cluttered due to their presence. Also, the fact that they are available in trendy designs helps in improving the décor of the room with their presence. 

3. Available in a Range of Styles

This brings us to the next point. Earlier, radiators were rarely associated with home décor and furnishing items. However, the latest range of heat radiators can do much more than merely regulating the temperature in your home. Due to their appealing and attractive designs, they can uplift the entire look and appeal of your dwelling. However, it’s important that you take into account the existing décor of your home when choosing a vertical radiator.

Having said that, do not buy a heat radiator just because it looks good. Take into account its basic function prior to buying it. A heat radiator that looks amazing but doesn’t serve its purpose will be of no use for you.  

4. Can Serve as Towel Heaters

A vertical heating radiator can also serve an added function of a towel heater. As a matter of fact, many companies have introduced special tower heaters editions of vertical radiators. Their design allows them to hold multiple towels. While drying up the towels, they also heat the rest of the area. This eliminates the need for separate towel heaters and the use of dryers to dry towels. 

5. No Obstructions

One of the major issues with horizontal towels is that they take a lot of space. Therefore, they are not considered suitable for smaller dwellings since there’s always something obstructing the heater and impacting its performance. With vertical radiators, there’s no such issue. As stated above, they consume less space. Thus, they can be adjusted easily at any corner. 

6. No Difference in Heating

Many believe that horizontal radiators are better performers at heating compared to vertical ones. However, this is merely a myth. You just need a quality radiator for your home; it doesn’t matter if it’s vertical, horizontal or in any other shape. Having said that, bear in mind that if your home isn’t properly insulated, no type of heat radiator will work. So, it’s a wise idea to get your home insulated prior to investing in a radiating device.

The Takeaway

In all, vertical radiators are functional, trendy-looking and can add to the look and appeal of your home. So, if you’re planning to buy a new heat radiator, our recommendation goes in favour of these tall radiators. Make sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer if you want to last it for a long time.   

Photos By: Unsplash

As the colder weather comes around again, you may start to think about how you are going to keep your home and your family warmer during the colder months of the years! Running heating can become expensive, especially if you are heating rooms that you don’t really use much of the time. Also, some homes don’t have central heating, so you might be looking at alternative heat sources. Electrical heaters have come a long way since your grandparents had that scarily noisy, clunking heater that didn’t actually seem to produce much heat! Let’s have a look at some of the benefits an electrical heater can provide you.

Boilers Are Not Always Energy Efficient

Many of the newer boilers that are installed these days are much more energy efficient than their older counterparts. If your boiler has not been replaced in recent years, then they may be one of the older, less efficient models that used to be previously installed. This means that your old boiler is having to use more energy to heat your central heating system, which is ultimately going to cost you more money. Hot water is usually heated by a boiler in most homes, however if you are only using a boiler for this purpose, you may only need a smaller model, which will save you money on servicing and replacement when that time comes around. Another thing to consider about boilers is, the older they are, the more noisy they can be! An electric radiator is silent, with the exception of fan heaters, and so your home will be more peaceful without a boiler rattling away as it tries to heat your home. If your boiler does break down – and this does sometimes happen – you will be left without hot water or heating with a traditional central heating system. However if you use electric heaters, you will still be able to warm your home, which is very important in cold months, especially if you or a family member are particularly vulnerable.

Environmental Impact

If you choose to warm up a room with electric heaters, you can also be helping do your bit for the environment. Gas does have emissions which are not good for the environment, in particular Carbon Dioxide, and in an age where we realise how fragile our planet is, we really should be trying to do more to protect it. Electric is a much ‘cleaner’ energy, and it is renewable too, especially as more wind farms, solar panels and hydropower. Electricity can be generated without the consumption of fossil fuels. Natural gas is also a finite resource, eventually it will run out, and the mining of gas is fraught with problems, such as fracking and the like. One big drawback of using natural gas within the home is the risk of a gas leak, and therefore Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is often known as the silent killer, because there is no smell or any indication it is present in your home, and it is a fatal gas when inhaled in large quantities. If you do have a gas boiler in your home, always ensure you have at least one carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of your house.

You Can Save Money

To work out exactly how much money you will be saving, you need to look at how much you are currently paying for gas and electricity, and also how well your home is insulated. You may well find that your current system is inefficient, and you are spending money on heating rooms that you are not using, or you are losing heat from a particular area of the home. By using an electric heater, you can concentrate on only heating the areas of the house that you need to be wam, therefore saving money. New electrical heaters are much more energy efficient than they used to be, and when you are researching which model to buy, you will be able to compare their energy efficiency rating to decide what works best for you.

Type Of Electric Heater

Traditionally when thinking of an electric heater, most people think of the old fan heaters that were incredibly noisy, and inefficient. Whilst you can still buy – much better – fan heaters, there are so many other options available. There are oil filled radiators, these tend to heat up quite slowly, but stay warm long after they have been turned off, and keep a room warmer for longer. Other styles include, convector heaters, infrared heaters, electric panel heaters, storage heaters, and many other types of electrical heaters. It will require some research on your part to find what suits you, but there will definitely be something out there that suits your home and your needs. However, never leave an electric heater unattended, and check it regularly to ensure it is working properly, and there are no wires that are bared and need repairing.

Other Ways To Keep Your House Warm

You can have all the heating you want in your home, but if you don’t have good insulation then the heat will not stay in. You can always get a professional to come out and have a look at your home, and advise on any areas that need extra insulation such as your roof, or replacing your single glazed windows with double glazed ones. Heavy curtains are also useful for keeping heat in, in front of windows of course, but did you know you can put one in front of your front door as well? Front doors often let in a lot of draughts, so a curtain will help to keep them out. Putting rugs on the floor can help to keep cold floors, such as tiled flooring, warmer. Keep yourself warm with cosy clothes like jumpers and dressing gowns, and wearing house shoes or socks in the house.

As you can see, electric heaters can be extremely beneficial for many reasons, research your product properly, and you should soon be living in a toasty warm home!

Photo: Efficiency Works

If you’re like most homeowners, chances are you’re always searching for ways to help save money on your monthly bills. Whether you carpool to save gas, cut the cord on cable and choose to watch your favorite shows online, or grow some of your own food to save on grocery bills, most homeowners have their own tips and tricks to save money. You may not realize it, but almost half of your monthly energy consumption goes to heating and cooling your home, which means there’s likely room for drastic savings if you know where to start.

Stock Up on Filters

If you neglect to check on the filter on your HVAC system at least once a month, you could be reducing the overall efficiency of your system and making your bills soar. Set yourself a reminder to check on it once a month to ensure it’s not clogged or dirty and plan to change it every three months. If you have pets that shed, you may want to change it every month because pet hair and dander can clog your filter pretty quickly. A clean filter can keep your system running smoothly and reduce your chances of making costly repairs down the road.

Photo: Angies List

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you and your family are away from the home during the same time every day, then you may benefit from investing in a programmable or smart thermostat. Taking advantage of using programmable settings for your air conditioning or heating or being able to control your home’s temperature from your phone can save you hundreds of dollars each year by only running your system when you’ll be home. There may even be rebates available if you choose to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat.

Keep Clean Ducts

Keeping your duct system clean can help you maximize your home’s heating and cooling. When ducts become dirty or clogged with dirt or debris, it can slow down you HVAC equipment’s overall performance and cause your monthly energy bill to increase. Schedule routine duct cleaning to keep air flowing freely through your home.

Photo: L’Essence

Schedule Yearly Maintenance

A well-maintained HVAC system can be a major benefit to you and your family. To avoid costly repairs, you should set up routine maintenance with your local HVAC company. Maintenance can include a deep cleaning of your unit and thorough inspection to ensure everything is still running properly. Tune-ups can also be beneficial in catching issues before they become major problems, which can save you money and keep it running at optimal performance.

Use Proper Sealing Techniques

To keep drafts out and your home during the colder months, keep your home properly sealed. This includes going through your home and sealing off any cracks or gaps under your doors and around your windows. You may also want to evaluate your attic’s insulation once a year to be sure you still have an adequate amount.

Photo: The Allstate Blog

Upgrade Your Equipment

Even the most well-maintained heating and cooling unit can only last so long. If your system is decades old, not keeping your home the proper temperature, and making your monthly energy bills skyrocket, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model.

With some routine maintenance and a good relationship with your local HVAC contractor, you can maximize your home’s heating and cooling and be comfortable year round.