What Type Of Heater Is Most Energy-Efficient?

With rising energy costs and concerns about climate change, energy efficiency has become an increasingly important topic. This article will provide an overview of the different types of home heating systems, comparing their efficiency and costs. We’ll look at forced air, radiant, electric, and gas heating and discuss which is generally the most energy-efficient option. With home heating and cooling accounting for a significant portion of home energy use, choosing an efficient system is one of the most impactful steps you can take to lower energy bills and your carbon footprint. Improving efficiency not only saves money, but also reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This guide will outline the key factors to consider when selecting the most efficient and cost-effective heating system.

Table of Contents

Types of Heaters

There are several major types of heaters used for home heating: forced air, radiant, electric, and gas. Here is an overview of the main types:

Forced Air Heaters: These use a central furnace to heat air, which is then blown through ductwork into different rooms. This allows adjusting the temperature in different parts of the home through vents and dampers. Common fuel sources are natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity ¹.

Radiant Heaters: These heat objects and people directly using infrared radiation, rather than warming the surrounding air. Types include electric radiant floors, electric radiant panels, and hydronic (hot water) systems. Advantages are their energy efficiency and comfort ¹.

Electric Heaters: These use electricity to generate heat, such as electric baseboards, wall heaters, and space heaters. While convenient, they can be less energy efficient than gas or radiant systems. However, heat pumps can achieve good efficiency by moving heat rather than converting electricity into heat ².

Gas Heaters: These burn natural gas or propane to produce heat. Types are forced air furnaces, boilers for hydronic and steam systems, and space heaters. Gas systems have lower operating costs than electric in most regions but do come with safety considerations ³.

Forced Air

Forced air furnaces work by drawing in air through a cold air return duct,
heating it via a gas burner or electric heating element, and then pushing the
warmed air through ductwork throughout the home through supply registers.
These systems have a blower motor and air filter to circulate and clean the air.
One of the pros of forced air heating is that it heats evenly and quickly.
The cons are that ductwork can leak efficiency and the circulated air can dry out indoor air.

The efficiency ratings of forced air furnaces are measured using Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).
This percentage reflects how much heat is captured from the fuel source and delivered to your home. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace.
Standard furnaces typically have an AFUE of 80%, while ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficiency models are 90% AFUE or more. The highest efficiency forced air furnaces can reach 98% AFUE.
Higher efficiency units have lower operating costs than standard models. Each 1% higher AFUE can save up to 1% on heating costs.

When choosing a forced air furnace, consider the home’s heating needs, fuel type available (gas vs electric), and desired efficiency rating. Proper sizing and installation are also key for optimal performance. Regular maintenance like changing filters and annual tune-ups will help the system run efficiently for years.

Radiant

Radiant heaters work by emitting infrared electromagnetic waves that heat objects directly. The electromagnetic waves are absorbed by solid objects, causing the molecules in the objects to vibrate faster and generate heat from within. This allows radiant heaters to be very energy efficient, as the heat is transferred directly to objects instead of heating the surrounding air (1).

Some key pros and cons of radiant heaters are:

Pros:

Operate at nearly 100% efficiency, transferring almost all heat directly to people and objects (2)
Provide immediate, directed warmth that doesn’t heat empty space

Energy-efficient for quickly heating people or targeted spaces
Silent operation with no fans or moving parts

Cons:

Only heat objects in direct line of radiation, less effective for large spaces
Don’t circulate existing warm air like convection heaters
Can be a fire hazard if flammable objects are too close

Require an unobstructed path for radiation to be effective

In terms of operating costs, radiant heaters are generally more expensive to purchase but cheaper to operate than convection heaters. While radiant heaters may use more wattage, their efficiency allows them to reduce energy usage overall (3). Regular cleaning and maintenance is important to keep radiant heating elements free of dust and buildup for optimal efficiency.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters utilize electricity to heat spaces through convection, radiant heat, or fan forced air. They come in many forms like baseboard heaters, wall heaters, and space heaters. Some key advantages of electric heating include:

– High efficiency – Electric heaters convert nearly 100% of consumed electricity into heat, making them very energy efficient at the point of use [1]. However, power plant inefficiencies can reduce the overall efficiency to 30-45%.

– Low maintenance – Electric heaters have few moving parts, reducing the need for maintenance. Only basic cleaning and inspections are required.

– Zone heating – Electric space heaters can target specific rooms without heating unused spaces. This focused heating can save energy.

Some downsides to consider are:

– High operating costs – Electricity prices are typically higher than natural gas. Operating costs can be 2-3x higher.

– Limited control – Most electric heaters offer basic thermostats for temperature adjustment. Advanced smart features are rare.

– Safety concerns – Improper use can lead to fire hazards and electric shocks. Following safety protocols is critical.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are fueled by either natural gas or propane. They utilize a burner to heat the air and rely on a blower to circulate the hot air through ductwork and vents. Gas furnaces are popular choices in many homes due to their affordability, efficiency, and reliable heating.

Some pros of gas furnaces include:

Gas is generally cheaper than electricity per BTU.
Gas furnaces provide strong and consistent heating, allowing them to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Most gas furnaces have efficiency ratings between 80-98% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). The Department of Energy sets a minimum standard of 80% AFUE for new models.[1]

Models over 90% AFUE are considered high-efficiency and can save on heating costs compared to lower efficiency units.
Maintenance costs on gas furnaces are generally low.

Some cons of gas furnaces include:

Gas line installation can add cost if not already existing in the home.
Venting and exhaust systems require proper installation and maintenance.
Higher efficiency models are more expensive to purchase upfront.

Homes without gas lines will require installation of a propane tank.

When deciding on a gas furnace, homeowners should consider factors like upfront cost, climate, efficiency needs, gas availability, and installation requirements like venting. High efficiency units can provide great long-term savings in heating costs in some climates, despite their higher initial investment. Proper sizing and installation of any gas furnace is important for best performance.

Overall, gas furnaces offer a reliable and cost-effective heating option for many homes when properly selected, installed and maintained.

Most Efficient Type

When it comes to choosing the most energy efficient space heater, infrared heaters tend to be the top choice according to expert analysis. Infrared heaters use radiant heating to directly warm objects rather than heating the surrounding air. This targeted heating allows infrared heaters to operate efficiently using less electricity than other types of electric heaters like ceramic or fan-forced heaters (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/small-space-heaters). Infrared heaters are capable of heating large spaces and can save up to 50% on heating bills compared to other portable electric heaters (https://laureynsunited.com/which-type-of-heating-is-most-efficient/).

Gas heaters can also be very energy efficient options for heating larger spaces if properly ventilated. Direct-vent sealed combustion gas heaters prevent heated air from escaping and mix in fresh air, making them safer and up to 99% efficient. Vented gas heaters are also an efficient option but require an existing vent or chimney and can lose some heat through venting. In terms of running costs, gas heaters are often cheaper to operate than electric heaters (https://www.hvac.com/expert-advice/energy-efficient-space-heaters/).

When choosing the most efficient heater, the size of the space needing heating is an important factor. For larger spaces like open floor plans, infrared and gas heaters tend to be better options than electric resistance or ceramic heaters. Proper installation and maintenance are also key to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Installation Considerations

When installing a new furnace, there are several factors to take into account. The key considerations are:

Hiring a qualified HVAC contractor – It’s highly advisable to hire a licensed, insured, and experienced HVAC contractor to install a new furnace. Improper installation can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, and other dangerous issues. Reputable contractors will pull the required permits and ensure the furnace is installed to code. They’ll also provide a warranty on parts and labor. According to HomeAdvisor, expect to pay $50-$100 per hour for a professional furnace installation. It’s best to get 3-4 quotes to compare.
Permits – In most cases, you’ll need a permit to install a new furnace. The HVAC contractor will pull the required permits on your behalf. Permit costs vary but typically range from $50-$100.

Costs – The national average cost to install a new gas furnace ranges from $2,820 to $6,834 including the furnace unit and labor, according to HomeAdvisor’s data. Higher end furnaces with modulating motors, variable speed blowers, and higher efficiency ratings will be on the pricier end. Additional costs may apply for ductwork, electrical, gas line work, and removing the old furnace.
Timeline – It usually takes 1-2 days for professional furnace installation. The HVAC technician will inspect your home, install the furnace and connect the ductwork, gas and electrical. Then they’ll test it for safety and ensure it’s operating properly before cleanup.

Taking the time to hire a qualified contractor, pull permits, and budget appropriately will ensure your new furnace installation goes smoothly.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring your heating system operates efficiently and safely. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, reduced system lifespan, and potential safety hazards. Here are some tips for maintaining your heating system:

Have your heating system professionally inspected each year before the heating season begins. A technician can clean the internal components, check for leaks or damage, test safety controls, and ensure everything is in good working order.
Replace your furnace filter every 1-3 months during heating season. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and make your system work harder to heat your home.

Vacuum heat registers, vents, and radiators regularly to remove dust and debris. Blocked airflow leads to reduced efficiency.
For hot water or steam radiator systems, bleed the radiators annually to remove trapped air. This allows hot water or steam to circulate properly.
Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected annually if you have a gas, oil or wood furnace. This removes flammable creosote buildup.

Clear debris outside your home away from outdoor heat pump or AC units. They require unobstructed airflow to operate efficiently.

Following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions can also help keep your system operating at peak efficiency. Investing a little time and money into heating system maintenance saves much more over the long run in energy costs and repair bills.

Conclusion

Based on the types of heaters discussed, gas radiant heaters are generally the most energy efficient option for home heating. Radiant heaters utilize infrared radiation to directly heat people and objects, allowing for lower thermostat settings compared to forced air furnaces. Gas is a more efficient fuel source than electric, especially given the energy losses that occur in power generation and transmission for electric heat. While installation and maintenance costs are slightly higher for radiant systems, the long-term energy savings lead to the lowest lifetime cost for heating your home.

The key takeaways are that gas radiant heaters are the most efficient, providing comfortable and affordable zone heating. Careful system design and regular maintenance will maximize their performance and lifespan. All heating systems have trade-offs that must be evaluated against your climate, budget, and personal preferences. But for direct and efficient whole house heating, gas radiant systems are hard to beat.