If you live in Alberta, you know firsthand how unforgiving winter temperatures can be. During this chilly time of year, it’s necessary to have a fully functioning heating system to ensure your comfort. To learn about the types of heating systems available, read the following guide by Problem Solved Plumbing & Heating, your local professionals serving Calgary, Cochrane and surrounding areas.
1. Furnace Furnaces create heat by pushing hot air from its ducts and circulating it through the house’s air registers. Furnaces can be powered by electricity, oil or natural gas. Furnace heating is popular in Canadian cities like Calgary and Cochrane because these systems are notoriously reliable, even in subzero temperatures. Of course, to function properly, a furnace must be serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The only downside of using a furnace to generate heat is that operation costs can be exorbitant, especially during the winter's coldest months. To save on your hydro bill, lower your thermostat to 17°C when you leave home. 2. Hot Water Boilers Sometimes referred to as hydronic systems, hot water boilers are often found in older homes and apartment buildings. Rather than distributing hot air like a furnace does, boiler systems pass hot water through radiators that emit heat from the water. Once the water in the radiators cools, it returns to the boiler to begin the process anew. Hot water boilers are thought to distribute air more evenly than furnaces, and they don’t create airflow or noise during operation. However, boiler systems are typically more expensive to install and maintain. 3. Heat Pumps One of the most eco-friendly option on the market, heat pumps source heat from the environment, typically from either the air or the ground, and distribute it as warm air through your home. During the summer, heat pumps reverse their function and extract cool air to lower the house’s internal temperature. While heat pumps are an excellent heating option in milder climates, they don’t perform as well below -5°C, making them far less suited to Alberta’s harsh winters. Homeowners may choose to use heat pumps to warm and cool their home during milder months, and then rely on an alternate heating source when temperatures drop. Heating your home Looking to install a new heating system or to repair an existing one? Contact the qualified technicians at Problem Solved Plumbing & Heating for fast, professional HVAC services in and around Calgary and Cochrane. Learn more today by giving us a call or filling in our online form.