I'm trying to figure out what is the most cost effective and efficient way to heat my small two bedroom house (approx. 1000 sq. ft.). I currently have oil heat, however, I am planning on a small remodel and would like to change the heat system at that time. I'd like a system that could expand if I ever add on to the house.
2006-10-20 07:10:58 · 7 answers · asked by Ken B 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The house is in Portland, OR. The current oil heat system is forced air.
2006-10-20 08:12:06 · update #1
In floor radiant heat is the most efficient. But in a remodel situation it can be impractical. I would go for a gas fired hot water system and then retrofit hot water baseboard heat into the house. It is very stable and quiet. it will also run less than the forced air system since the baseboards will hold temperature longer and provide residual heat into the space.
Perhaps your forced air ducts could then be used for central air.
2006-10-21 04:30:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In your apartment where the electric bill was $75 per month in the winter - are you saying that your ceiling heating was an electric heating system? If so, you might look into that, although floor and ceiling systems like that are going to be among the most expensive to install, and are usually best installed in new construction or rehabs. I would suggest you leave the existing system in place, and look into individual mini-split A/C and heat pump systems - they are very popular, and one reason is, you can install a unit in each room and no ductwork is required - they just need to run a pipe from the wall unit to the outdoor unit, and I know some systems run 3 indoor units off of one outdoor unit. Totally electric, and the heaters work even when it is sub-freezing outdoors, if you get a good system. Ultimately, you could end up with two systems, which would add value to your home. If you are doing a rehab and you have an easily accessible basement, you could put in a hydronic floor heating system, but that is not electric. If you like the idea, though, floor makes much more sense than ceiling.
2016-05-22 05:25:50 · answer #2 · answered by Diane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Natural gas has been and still is cheaper than heating oil. But if you are in a rural area without gas oil is slightly cheaper than propane. The way prices jump around this could all change. The lowest cost are alternative fuels like wood, wood pellets, or corn burners. but these can be more hassle than many people want to deal with. If you may expand your home in the future just install a larger than needed furnace.
2006-10-20 07:24:26 · answer #3 · answered by morris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Los Angeles. The most energy efficient and cost effective way to heat a small house here is to not bother. It never gets too cold.
Look into "space heaters." Your car, when left in the sun, will get a lot warmer than you think it should. Now imagine pumping that warm air out of the car and into your house. That's a "space heater."
2006-10-20 07:21:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
where in the country do you live and what sort of oil heat do you have? is it baseboard hot water or forced air?
2006-10-20 07:19:11 · answer #5 · answered by whattawhoman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Winter natural gas will be the best buy. But that can change.
2006-10-20 07:13:48 · answer #6 · answered by tumbleweed1954 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
insulate.
2006-10-20 07:25:25 · answer #7 · answered by enord 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋