Ecological and economical heating possibilities for your home

October 21, 2014

Nothing equals geothermal energy when it comes to ecological and economical heating. But not all of us can absorb the initial cost of installing such as system, which can cost between $20,000 and $40,000 for an average-size house.

Ecological and economical heating possibilities for your home

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy uses the earth’s energy right under a property. To heat the house in winter and cool it in summer, wells are drilled into the ground to a depth of 30 metres and connected to the home’s geothermal heat pump.

An environmentally responsible choice

Compared to a regular heating system, this kind of setup can save approximately 60 per cent of a family’s heating costs; the cost of installation is usually earned back over about 20 years. That makes geothermal energy a wise choice in the long term. Over the years, these savings also translate into a substantial decrease in a family’s ecological footprint as they heat and cool their home. That’s because geothermal energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gases and the energy it uses is clean and renewable.

Further savings

The maintenance fees for such a system compare favourably with those of other heating systems, particularly those of the classic heat pump. More good news: depending on where you live, there could be a government subsidy program in place.

Before opting for geothermal energy

When looking at heating options, geothermal energy can present several obstacles in addition to its steep installation cost. The home’s existing heat or cool air distribution system may need to be adapted and the landscaping may be disturbed during the drilling process.

Insulation and windows

Thankfully, geothermal energy isn’t the only possibility for people looking for a system that produces both ecological and economical heating. For a house under construction, an optimal level of insulation and strategically placed windows are effective in reducing energy consumption for heating.

Have you thought about masonry heating?

Some home owners opt for masonry heating. This technology provides a kind of wood burning heating that is significantly more efficient than a slow combustion stove. Keep in mind that you should first contact your municipality about by-laws governing the use of wood burning heating systems.

Additional possibilities

If you currently have an oil heating system, you’re most likely aware it’s as costly for the planet as it is for your wallet. If your oil furnace is nearing the end of its life cycle, you could choose ecological and economical heating by switching to electricity or less-expensive natural gas, both of which are better environmental choices than oil.

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