If you want to install a heating system, one of the decisions you have to make is which fuel to use for the heating system. This is a critical factor that has far-reaching consequences. Below are some of the factors that will help you get the right heating fuel for your home.

Availability

Some energy sources are more common in some parts of the country than others. In most urban areas, you can find almost all energy sources from electricity to wood. In rural areas, especially remote areas, you might be limited in the available energy sources. For example, some areas have oil but not natural gas, while other areas have propane but not oil. Ideally, you need to install a heating system that you can fuel using locally available energy sources so you don't spend too much money looking for fuel.

Cost

Cost considerations occur on various levels. For one, you should look at the actual cost of the energy sources. Although the costs also vary by region, there is a general trend that you can use for a cost comparison. For example, electricity tends to be the costliest source of heating energy in most areas, while natural gas tends to be cheap. Secondly, you should look at the initial cost of the heating system. In this regard, electric heating systems tend to be cheaper to install than gas furnaces.

Efficiency

The efficiency of heating systems also depends on their energy sources. The efficiency of a heating system is the amount of fuel energy it actually turns into heat for warming your house. Electric and gas furnaces tend to be some of the most efficient, with efficiencies above 90%. The efficiency of the heating system determines how much energy you will be using to heat your home each season.

Environmental Impact

Lastly, it also makes sense to assess the environmental impact of the various fuels. Evaluate the extraction or production process of each fuel plus the pollutants it emits to the environment. In this regard, renewable energy sources such as solar energy take the lead. Heat pumps, which harness the heat potential between the ground and the atmosphere, are also good for the environment. Wood stoves and oil heating systems are some of the systems that release considerable pollutants.

Hopefully, you will get a good heating system that will serve you for many years to come. Talk to your heating installation technician for further information on the available heating systems.