You might be considering replacing your old heater and, while you’re at it, you might as well get a new, more energy-efficient heater. So the question is: which type of heater is the best?
If you need help deciding which type of heater is best for your home, check out our guide below.
Electric Heater
Electric heaters are definitely some of the most popular in the market. They last for a long time and are very easy to install. They take many forms from electric furnaces, electric boilers, electric water heaters or the classic electric wall heaters. So how do they compare to the other types of heaters?
How it works
Electric heaters convert electric energy into heat by passing an electric current through a metal filament, which becomes hot and expels heat into the air.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Last longer
- The cheapest option to purchase and install
- Environmentally friendly
- Poses no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Cons
- More expensive to power
- Lower efficiency (wastes energy by taking longer to provide heat)
Gas Heater
Another very popular option is gas heaters. Even if more regular maintenance is necessary, getting a gas heater tune-up is very easy and can get you a long way. Gas furnaces and heaters in general are usually cheaper to power and are widely serviced although Connecticut natural gas prices are more expensive than many other states in the United States.
How it works
A gas heater converts natural gas into heat by using a burner, which contains a flame, to heat cool air inside a combustion chamber. The system then circulates the heated air throughout your home.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Cheaper to power
- More efficient than electric heaters (requires less time and energy to provide the same amount of warmth)
- The most popular option among U.S. homeowners
Cons
- Requires more maintenance
- Poses safety risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning
- Less environmentally friendly
Oil Heater
When it comes to oil heaters, they are less widely spread as electric or gas heaters in the United States. They are however a great choice as they are more environmentally friendly than gas heaters for example. Many homes upgrade to oil heaters each year like oil furnaces.
How it works
In an oil heater, a metal coil becomes hot when electricity flows through it. When the coil gets hot enough, it boils the oil to create steam. The steam rotates a turbine which spins a generator that produces electricity.
An insulated pipe carries heat from the generator throughout your home.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Lower upfront costs than gas heaters
- Environmentally friendly
- Convenient temperature control
Cons
- Higher upfront and operating costs than electric heaters
- Less efficient than electric heaters
Propane Heater
Propane heaters are a great alternative to oil and gas heaters, especially in states with limited access to gas and oil. Considering the price of natural gas in Connecticut is the 4th highest in all of the US, it might be worth thinking about switching to a propane heater.
How it works
A propane heater converts liquid propane into heat by using an electric coil to heat the liquid and convert it into a gas. The gas moves through an opening in the burner’s head, creating a flame. This flame heats the metal fins on the burner head’s exterior, which in turn heats the air that the intake vent draws in.
Pros & cons
Pros
- A good alternative for homeowners with limited access to gas and oil
- More efficient than electric heaters
- Cheaper operation costs than other alternatives
Cons
- Not widely used in U.S. households, making them harder to find and more expensive
- Poses a risk of gas leaks and explosions
- Shorter life cycle
Determining Which Type of Heater Is Best for You
So should you get an electric or a gas heater? An oil or a propane furnace? Well, when choosing which heater type is best for your home, consider these three factors:
- Check for size requirements
You want a heater designed for the size of your space so it provides the correct amount of heat.
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Look for a well-known brand
Lennox heaters are the safest option on the market today. If you need advice on the best heaters, contact Harp Home Services. Our years of experience in the industry enable us to provide expert advice and handle any type of heater installation.
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Consider your budget
Choose a high-quality heater that fits within your budget. Lennox heaters are a great option when you are looking for a good price/quality ratio.
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Opt for better energy efficiency
Although a more energy-efficient HVAC system might initially cost more, they are usually easily financed simply by how much you’ll save on energy costs in the long term. Finding the right system will go a long way towards both keeping your house warm in the winter, and cool during the summer.
Premium Household Warmth With Harp Home Services
Whether you need a heater repair or installation, Harp Home Services is the trusted local provider of high-quality HVAC services in Hartford, Connecticut. In addition to offering same-day heater tune-ups, repairs, and installations, our technicians are available 24/7 to provide the service you need whenever you need it. When you need expert heater service, choose a company with over 25 years of experience in the business.