Have you ever wondered how your home heating system works? Even if you haven’t, it’s a good idea to be familiar with your heater. That way you can be safer, smarter, and you can even save money on your energy bills.
There are many helpful resources which can tell you what kind of system you have and how it works, but this handy infographic from energy.gov is a good place to start.
First, you should know which fuel you use. Most heating systems in Arkansas use natural gas or electricity, but other energy sources such as propane or wood are common also, especially in rural areas. Your home may not even have a central heating unit if you have an older house or if you live in a warmer climate.
If you do have a central heating system, it’s helpful to know how the unit produces heat and how that heat is distributed throughout your home. Forced-air units are the most common types of systems installed in new homes. These heaters use natural gas, propane, or electricity to heat air, then a blower to distribute the heated air through your house.
Radiators are also fairly common, especially in older buildings. These units are smaller and less noisy, but operate more passively. They use a heating element to heat water in the radiator which then circulates throughout the unit in the form of steam.
New homes are sometimes fitted with high-efficiency heat pumps. These systems can be used for both heating and air conditioning, and some use geothermal heat (heat drawn from the Earth), which makes these units extremely efficient and less expensive to operate after the higher initial purchase and installation cost.
After you know what kind of heating system you have, what kind of fuel it uses, and how it operates, you will be able to better care for your heater yourself and you will have an easier time identifying problems.
No matter your heating problems in Little Rock and central Arkansas, the heating and air conditioning professionals at BR McGinty can help! For more information or 24-hour repair services, call us today at 501-847-6800.
