What Is The Best Apartment Heating System? Top 5

Introduction: What Is An Apartment Heating System?

When an apartment is built, the owner or builder makes a choice on the heating system that goes in. To cut down on sourcing and installation costs, the furnaces that heat each unit are as similar as possible. Later when a resident buys a unit, less so if he or she rents a unit, has the choice of changing the heating system. That choice, will be considered within whatever physical restrictions of the building impose. Small changes are swapping out inefficient furnaces for new models, and putting in ductless heat pumps that avoid the step of cutting into walls and floors which affect neighbors.

Electronic thermostats are used to control any number of heating systems

In this post, we will discuss five of the most popular apartment heating systems and provide some pros and cons for each one. By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of which apartment heating system is right for you.

General Features Of Apartment Heating – Local And State Laws

An apartment heating system is a set of components that work together to heat an apartment. The most common type of system is a central heating system, which uses a furnace to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout the apartment via a network of ducts. Other types of systems include boiler-based systems and radiant floor heating. No matter the type of system, the goal is always to provide warmth and comfort for residents during the colder months.

The landlord or building owner will likely need to adhere to laws that govern the livability of the building. These laws differ from state to state, and in general cover both cooling and heating, i.e. the HVAC systems. However, many states have regulatory requirements only for heating and not cooling, even though heat deaths are becoming a major problem recently. The laws can go as far to ask for a minimum temperature during the day and during the night, over a specified set of months of the year. There may also be laws about the temperature of the hot water.

How Does A Apartment Heating System Work

Apartment heating systems should to efficient, as they need to heat a large space with a minimal amount of energy. We’re talking about the whole building, not a single unit, so the cost of running a heating system is very high. To this end, many systems make use of advanced thermal insulation and heat-recovery strategies. Additionally, many systems are now controlled by computers, which can optimize performance and minimize energy usage.

Top 5 Best Apartment Heating System

1. Central Apartment Heating System

A central heating system is one of the most common and efficient ways to heat an apartment. A central heating system uses a network of ducts and vents to distribute heat evenly throughout an apartment complex.

Pros

  • It saves money on utility bills for both the complex and the tenants.
  • It is very versatile and can be used to heat a variety of different types of apartments including those with high ceilings, lofts, and basement units.
  • It is safe because it does not produce any flames or smoke, making it ideal for apartments with small children or pets.

Cons

  • Less efficient than other methods, such as Individual room heaters.
  • Less effective in rooms that are farther away from the main heater unit. This is because the heat has to travel through the entire apartment complex before it reaches those outer rooms, resulting in a cooler temperature by the time it arrives.
  • It can be more expensive to operate than other types of heating systems due to the increased energy usage.

2. Radiant Apartment Heating System

Radiant heating is another efficient way to heat an apartment. Radiant heating systems use infrared waves to radiant heat throughout an apartment complex.

Pros

  • An efficient way to heat an apartment since it does not rely on convection, which is the process of hot air rising and cold air sinking.
  • Heating is evenly distributed throughout the apartment complex.

Cons

  • It can be more expensive to operate than other types of heating systems.
  • May not be as effective in larger apartments or those with high ceilings. It can take longer for the apartment to heat up using this method as opposed to other methods

3. Geothermal Apartment Heating System

Geothermal heating systems are eco-friendly as it utilizes the earth’s natural heat as a heating system. These are typically used in apartment complexes that are built on a slope or near a body of water.

Pros

  • An efficient way to heat an apartment is as it utilizes the earth’s natural heat.
  • Heating is evenly distributed throughout the apartment complex.

Cons

  • The Earth’s heat is not truly renewable, but I guess neither is the Sun when it runs out of energy in 4.5 billion years.
  • Can be more expensive to install than other types of heating systems.
  • Geothermal heating may not be available in all areas.
  • Requires a large amount of space for the underground piping system.
  • May not be as effective in larger apartments or those with high ceilings.

4. Solar Apartment Heating System

Solar heating is an efficient way to heat an apartment. Solar heating systems use the sun’s energy to radiant heat throughout an apartment complex. Panels are installed on the roof, and less frequently, off the roof on the premises somewhere. Over the course of a day, and throughout the year, the panels gather energy to power the home during the day. At night, either electricity stored in a battery is drawn back out for use or its drawn from the municipal grid. The costs of drawing from the grid at night can be offset financially by extra power supplied to the grid as part of an incentive called feed-in tariff, or net metering.

5. Packaged Heating And Cooling System

Heating and cooling are available as separate central appliances or as jointly installed, combined appliances. The difference between these is characterized by the “split vs packaged” systems. Split systems tend to be more efficient in both energy and required space and packaged systems tend to be easier to install because it happens in one go but are bulkier or take up more space inside and outside the house.

Pros

  • An eco-friendly way to heat an apartment is as it utilizes the sun’s energy.
  • Heating is evenly distributed throughout the apartment complex.
  • Cost is brought down by incentives, subsidies

Cons

  • Can be very expensive to install compared to any other types of heating systems.
  • Solar heating may vary depending on geography and season
  • Requires a large amount of roof space for the solar panels.

6. Wind Turbine Apartment Heating System

Wind turbine heating is an efficient way to heat an apartment. Wind turbine heating systems use the wind’s energy to radiant heat throughout an apartment complex. Wind turbines will be very large and unwieldy and work well only with enough wind. It’s highly unlikely your apartment building is in such an area.

Pros

  • Energy saving since it utilizes the wind’s energy.
  • Evenly distributed heating

Cons

  • Insanely expensive installation and not prime time for residences
  • Availability of wind very dependent on geography
  • Requires a large amount of space for the wind turbines.

Factors To Consider In Choosing The Best Apartment Heating System

Size plays a role in choosing an apartment heating system

There are a few things to consider when looking for the best heating system for your apartment.

1. Size Of The Unit

The first is the size of the unit. You’ll need to make sure that the unit is large enough to heat your entire apartment. If you have a smaller apartment, then you may be able to get away with a smaller heating unit. However, if you have a larger apartment, then you’ll need to make sure that the unit is large enough to heat the entire space. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an apartment that isn’t evenly heated and could be uncomfortable for your tenants.

2. Type Of Fuel The Unit Uses

You’ll need to decide which type of fuel is best for your apartment. Natural gas has been affordable. Newer heat pumps are even cheaper to operate for the equivalent amount of heating. Propane is less efficient than natural gas. Electric units are the most expensive to operate, and they’re pretty inefficient. The balance here is that the electric grid is very low carbon intensity in some countries like Iceland and Brazil so electric makes sense where other countries the grid uses oil and is so carbon intensive that natural gas would be better.

3. Efficiency Of Unit

You’ll want to make sure that the unit efficiently heats your apartment so that you don’t waste any money on heating bills. The most efficient apartment heating systems are usually the ones that use natural gas or propane. These types of units tend to be more expensive to operate, but they’re also the most efficient.

4. Warranty And Maintenance

Finally, you’ll want to consider the warranty and service agreement that comes with the unit. This will ensure that you’re ready in case anything goes wrong with the unit. You’ll also want to make sure that the company offers regular maintenance so that you don’t have to worry about the unit breaking down.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best apartment heating system, there are a few things that you’ll need to consider. Be sure to take into account the size of your apartment, the type of fuel that the unit uses, and the efficiency of the unit. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re covered by a warranty and service agreement.

Staff Writer
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