Types of heating for our home

The way weheat our home can have a significant impact on the environment. In anincreasingly environmentally conscious and sustainable world, consideringheating options that are eco-friendly is essential. Additionally, evaluatinginstallation and maintenance costs, efficiency, and the climatic conditions ofour area is crucial. In this article we will explore several types of heatingthat can help keep our homes heated without harming the planet.

Types ofheating according to energy source

Combustion heating

• This is the classic heating system. 
• Wood-burningor pellet stoves and fireplaces are autonomous heating systems that use solidfuels to generate heat. 
• Idealfor individual spaces or to complement other heating systems. 
• Requiresa constant fuel supply. May generate smoke or ash.

 Gas heating

• The most popular type in our country. Hot water can be directed to radiators or a water-based underfloor heating system.
• Initial installation may require a substantial investment depending on the chosen boiler type.
• It is environmentally friendly, emits minimal CO₂ and is highly efficient.

Solar heating

• This is one of the cleanest and most sustainable energy sources available.
• It harnesses the sun's energy to heat air or water that is then distributed around the house.
• Solar panels capture solar radiation and convert it into usable heat.
• It depends on weather conditions and may require a significant upfront investment.
• It can provide hot water for heating and domestic use, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Electric heating

• It is popular due to its ease of installation and versatility. It uses electrical resistors to heat the air directly, which means no extra fuel is needed.
• It tends to be less efficient in terms of energy consumption and can significantly increase electricity bills, especially in cold climates.
• Electric radiators, convection heaters, electric underfloor heating systems, and oil radiators are examples of electric heating systems.

Geothermal or aerothermal heating

• It uses the constant temperature of the ground (geothermal) or air (aerothermal) to generate heat.
• It consists of a heat pump that extracts heat from the ground or air and releases it inside the house.
• It is highly efficient and can save a significant amount of energy.
• It can be integrated into underfloor heating systems or radiators and provide heating, cooling and hot water.

Biomass

• This is a sustainable option, as it uses organic matter such as wood, pellets, nut shells and other waste as a source of heat.
• It is used in stoves, boilers and central heating systems.
• Converting this waste into energy reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfills.

In addition to considering the energy source, using smart heating systems can contribute to more efficient heating and, consequently, a lower carbon footprint. Programmable thermostats, heat zone differentiation systems, and home automation can help minimise energy waste.