What is the most economic heating system
Placing a heating system in a home involves, in addition to an initial economic cost for its installation, a considerable annual cost, but what are the most economical heating systems on the market, taking into account both the installation and the energy they use?
How to choose the heating system
In order for us to choose an efficient system that allows us to enjoy the spaces with a pleasant atmosphere, we must consider the following variables:
- Space size (surface and height).
- Number of people living in it.
- Construction materials .
- What kind of insulation from the outside does the house have?
- Average temperature during the coldest season.
With these aspects clear, we will be heading towards a better choice. We can already know how big the system will be and how much heat we will need to generate to make everyone comfortable at home.
Natural gas heating – how does it work?
A boiler is installed that heats the water to heat the rooms, either with radiators or underfloor heating.
Advantages of heating with natural gas
- It is very efficient.
- It has a high calorific value and therefore it is valid where the weather is adverse.
- It is respectful with the environment.
- It is the most comfortable since it does not need storage and you can use it whenever you want and in the amount you need
Heating by electricity – how does it work?
Through electrical circuits with resistances that are heated by electricity and emit heat. Different devices can be used: convectors, accumulators, electric underfloor heating.
Reasons to use it:
- Accessible to all, since it can be used at any point of the Spanish geography.
- Comfortable, you don’t have to store energy.
- You can use as much energy as you need.
- It is valid when the weather is mild due to little use or low efficiency.
- If you have to heat second homes where use is less frequent.
Heating with butane gas – how does it work?
It is a source of energy that is still used, especially where the weather is adverse and natural gas does not arrive.
*It is widely used on the terraces of bars and restaurants.
Burns the fuel and generates heat , through:
- Stoves (indoor or outdoor)
- Boilers stakes
- Fireplaces, also watertight.
In all cases it heats up very quickly.
Reasons:
- It quickly heats a space thanks to its high caloric value.
- Its use is through portable bottles that you can move from one place to another.
- Quick and easy installation
- You can buy it at gas stations or have it delivered to your home.
Oil heating – how does it work?
It is a heating system that has practically become extinct for two main reasons:
- Care and respect for the environment, since the diesel used, type C, is highly polluting.
- The price of fuel is high, changing upwards.
In addition, there are other reasons why it is not recommended to use it:
- It is not comfortable, you have to buy the fuel in advance.
- You need space to place a deposit.
Radiator heating – how does it work?
It is the most used system and you can choose between:
■ Radiators that work with water:
The hot water arrives through a network of pipes that connects the boiler or pump that has heated the water and emits the heat.
There are two types:
- High-temperature radiators : the water must reach around 70ºC to emit heat.
- Low temperature radiators : you do not need hot water with such a high temperature, 45ºC is enough. They are the most used for natural gas and aerothermal boilers.
* Low temperature radiators contribute to making heating more economical and the reasons are:
- The number of radiators to be installed and the number of elements does not increase.
- It radiates heat at 40ºC with which the heat remains in the central part and does not rise, which makes the temperature constant.
■ Electric radiators:
The installation is cheaper , since they do not require water pipes to work.
On the contrary, the energy consumption is much higher , since they work with electricity.
Underfloor heating – how does it work?
It is the heating system that provides the most homogeneous heat. There are two systems:
- Underfloor heating for hot water : the installation is expensive, it requires installing pipes throughout the floor that, when passing the hot water, radiates the heat upwards.
- Electric radiant floor : it is the resistances that emit the heat, it is also known as “radiant thread”. But consumption is high.
Heat pump heating – how does it work?
Depending on the m² you want to heat, the pump will have to be more or less powerful. Works with electricity.
It occupies a space in your house and is used for:
- Heating homes using splits is a more expensive system due to electricity consumption, very fast because it releases hot air but is short-lived.
- Aerothermal , if you have an aerothermal system installed you will need a heat pump to transform the energy from the air.
