There are several different domestic heating systems that you can choose from when building a new home.
Some of the most popular heating options include electric heat pumps, warm air heating, under floor heating and solar power heating. All of these domestic heating solutions are great for keeping both your home and your family warm throughout the cold winter months.
But which one is the very best to use when building a new home?
Domestic heating has come a long way since the early 1950s when most homes were heated using a coal or wood stove. The concept of space heating using electricity seemed extremely wasteful and energy intensive at first, especially when it is taken into account that this form of heating system would have to run constantly.
Oil was used freely to heat homes during the 1950s and 60s. However the oil crisis that arose in the 1970s acted as a major influence in how homes are heated today.
In the 1960s a newly built home would require about 200 kWh/m2 to power its heating system. Today domestic heating systems require anywhere between 40 to 50kWh/m2 to heat the home.
So while space heating is more widely used in most newly built homes, the amount of energy required for this purpose has greatly decreased. This is due to more efficient heating systems, as well as newer homes being better insulated.
Electric heat pumps are the domestic heating system of choice for many homeowners. This form of technology transfers large amounts of low-grade heat, held within the ground, into focused heat that can be used to provide heat within the home.
Heat pumps do require some use of energy in order to function properly, however, they are able to produce anywhere from three to four times more energy than they actually use - making them one of the cheapest and most energy efficient domestic heating options.
It should be noted though that these domestic heating systems can be very expensive to install - typically costing around ?8,000 to be professionally installed into a new home.
Warm air heating is the preferred form of domestic heating in the US and was once widely used in the UK during the 1960s and 70s. In the years since though warm air heating has fallen out of favour with many homeowners. These domestic heating systems work by blowing heated air all around the home from ventilation ducts.
It is a very quick response form of heating and is suitable for individuals who are do not spend a lot of time in the home throughout the day. One advantage to this type of heating is the fact that it can also be combined with summer cooling options as well; although many people in the UK don't have a need for built-in air conditioning in the home.
The newest domestic heating option provides heat by using energy harnessed by solar panels. These eco-friendly panels can provide the home with many hours of heat and plenty of hot water.
There are currently several different types of government grant available to encourage more home owners in the UK to convert to this type of domestic heating.
In the UK there are many types of domestic heating systems available for those looking to build a new home. This article details each of these different systems, explaining how they work and the benefits they can provide.