A growing number of households have become more conscious of their carbon footprint. Consciousness has led them to think of ways to make their homes more energy-efficient. One way to ensure energy efficiency is to choose home appliances that do not use up much energy, nor emit harmful toxins and substances. Another way to lower the carbon footprint is by utilizing renewable energy.
The furnace or home heating system is a largely used appliance in any home. Its operation is crucial during the winter season and any time in places where the climate is chilly. Choosing an eco-friendly furnace system will help much in lowering a home’s carbon footprint.
Today, homeowners are treated to several energy-efficient heating options. The good news is the eco-friendly heating systems are pocket-friendly too. The affordability of green heaters is both in terms of upfront cost and month-on-month usage rates.
One of the options for eco-friendly heating systems is the Heat Pump. Eco website Green Choices has explained various pro-environment heating systems, and heat pumps were one of those they discussed.
“Best described as a reverse fridge, heat pumps take heat from the ground, air or water, and use an electric pump to boost it to the right temperature to keep your house warm, and sometimes also for water heating. Initially, manufacturers claimed you could get four units of electricity for every one you put in, but this appears to have been over ambitious. A good performing system, properly set up should give at least three units of heat for each unit of electricity used by the pump.”
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Solar Heating
Inhabitat.com also tackled various greener options in heating a home. Solar Heating Systems are part of their list. They say that such a system is helpful to the environment and the household budget.
“Solar power is easily one of the best ways to power a home. Although the initial investment can be significant, you are basically getting free energy for the rest of the home’s life. The same is true with solar heating, which generally comes in two formats: hydronic collectors and air systems. Hydronic collectors heat liquid to warm up the house, while air systems work more like traditional HVAC systems. If you have forced air already installed, then a solar air heater is the best option.”
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Both geothermal and solar heating systems may be expensive to install upfront. Experts, however, say the benefit lies in using it day after day and seeing the monthly utility bills. For a much lower upfront cost – both upfront and daily utilization – freshome.com suggests Pellet Stoves.
“Although similar to a wood stove, pellet stoves use pellets that are made from renewable sources, such as switchgrass and waste products, such as sawdust from wood mills. These products (that would otherwise be tossed away) are turned into small pellets that are quite affordable. In addition to using renewable or recycled materials that are affordable, the pellet stoves themselves are affordable.”
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Green heating is indeed possible.
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