Living in a cold climate (NE USA) how would you heat your dream house and why?

Answer 1

Gas heat and only gas. Dual zone if you have two floors. It is the most efficient. Low E glass in all the windows increases the efficiency even more.

Answer 2

Electrical radiating floor.
1) Source of energy. I prefer electricity - rather than oil, butane gas, or firewood - for many reasons. 1.1) You don't have combustion at your home. That implies: minimize risks, eliminate maintenance, and keep your home dry. Many combustion systems raises humidity, electrical heat drys. 1.2) You pay the energy you consumed almost a month later, what does not happen with oil or firewood, which you have to pay first and consume it latter (if you have buy butane gas carafes, happens the same). 1.3) Electricity is always available. You don't have to care about your stock or its storage.
2) Costs. 2.1) From installation. Its the lowest. 2.2) Of maintenance. You have no costs at all. 2.3) Consume. Is as efficient as other heating systems and sources of energy. Perhaps the most efficient system are "pumps of heat". Air conditioned, split system. But not at places with cold climate. 2.4) Usually the installation is made room by room, with an independent thermostat in every room. You may heat the rooms you want, at the temperature you want. You can improve its handling by adding watches that regulate its operating time.
3) It wont disturb in furnishing and decorating your home. Its under the floor.

Answer 3

I would use a geothermal heat pump. They are very expensive to put in ($15,000-$20,000), but save amazing amounts later in heating and cooling costs. And, if it's your dream home, money's no object, right? If you've never heard of geothermal, read more about it here:http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/heatpumps.html

Answer 4

A thumbs up to dawnb, but I would add a nice gas fireplace in the bedrooms, living and family rooms.

Answer 5

I'd go solar everything. No bills after you pay off the equipment. Lots of insulation, lots of south facing windows, lots of thermal storage. It would be awesome.

Oh yeah, and I would purify my own water.

Answer 6

gas is efficient, and ive heard of many power outages but not too many gas outages...except once when the tornado went through.

Answer 7

buy heater.