Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Central Heating System
Central heating systems provide warmth in a home or commercial building from one location to many different locations. They are often combined with other heat systems for optimum control of the building’s temperature and can be an efficient HVAC unit.
The system includes the central heating boiler, the furnace coil, the thermostat and condenser coil, heat exchanger, air conditioner, and any associated ductwork. Many newer models are capable of supplying warmth throughout the entire building by using multiple energy sources that can include furnace air, central air and the condensing cycle.
There are two general types of heating systems for properties; either electric or gas. For those who are located off the gas grid the most common energy source is oil, instead of natural gas. Each has its benefits and disadvantages that will be discussed below.
One of the main reasons for purchasing a central heating boiler is because of the long life span. When used properly, in a well-insulated home or commercial premises it is also economical to use in comparison to other distributed systems. Many homeowners consider a central energy source with hot water pumps used to heat radiators or underfloor heating to be the best solution for saving energy and money. This is because of its ability to reduce energy bills while at the same time increasing the comfort level of your home.
One of the major benefits to central heat is the fact that it can provide warmth in all areas of the home. Because the boiler (furnace) source is located in just one place in a building, the central units can be high-investment technology of high efficiency which are more efficient in warming the home compared to many other systems.
In the past, central heating was thought to require more energy to operate than sources such as electric room heaters, propane cylinder fired radiators, or individual oil stoves. However, today many experts agree that the costs of using central heat in comparison to other energy sources is much less expensive than many people believe. Today, the majority of modern central room temperature control units are electric or some type of alternative energy source and as a result provide the same warm temperatures throughout the home as the traditional units.
Another great benefit of using central heating units is that most of the high-end systems come with two or more thermal output options including hot water cisterns, furnaces (also known as boilers), and air conditioners. Investing in a central advanced energy efficient boiler/ furnace can provide more effective space heating. Control is better and energy use reduced when rooms have individual thermostatic control and all are turned on and off from one location. Gas or renewable energy can be used. All of these elements help to reduce costs while reducing noise and energy bills at the same time. This type of system offers greater flexibility when it comes to temperature controls for those who live in a small apartment.
Central heating systems also offer several benefits to businesses. In addition to helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in the office or home, they also provide a sense of security against breakdowns. This is due to the fact that the systems do not rely on direct sunlight (solar panels), to warm the building.
Another good reason to use a central boiler (thermal output unit) is that they come with a host of built-in safety devices such as a thermostat, automatic shut off, and a manual emergency shut off or emergency power-down switch. They are all run by computer based control systems with timers to deliver the warmth when it is needed, and not when the temperature rises above the required level. Almost without exception they also come with remote temperature control handsets which allow you to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust it without having to get out of bed, or the chair you are sitting in.
The disadvantages of traditional heating systems are the maintenance requirements that it takes to operate these more complex systems. If you choose a newer “condensing” or “fuel-cell” central boiler (furnace) unit, you will gain from the cost savings from higher efficiency of fuel use. You might also be saving the planet by using alternative energy sources for your energy needs.
If you choose gas instead of electricity, you will save money each year on your energy bills since you will not need to purchase any additional equipment such beyond a boiler (furnace), heat exchangers, or natural gas to warm your home. A good rule of thumb to follow is to consider the average home’s square footage of your home, multiply this number with the energy unit price times the square foot. That way you can determine how much you will need to spend on your home’s energy bills every month in order to have a comfortable home.
In addition, a lot of people want a heating system that also includes some sort of air conditioning in their homes for the hot weather. However, central heating systems may also come with an air conditioning option. But, always remember that in cold climates it is most important to consider whether your warmth needs are provided for first. Only second is the question whether or not you want a system in case of prolonged hot weather.
