Whether you are buying a new home in New Mexico or looking to upgrade to a more efficient HVAC system, you have choices in the way you heat your home. Two of your choices are radiant heating by a company like Western Mechanical and furnace heating by a company like Daniels Heating & Air Conditioning.
Radiant Heating
Radiant heating uses a boiler that heats water, which is then piped into tubes underneath the floor. As the floor becomes warm, the heat spreads into the room. There is no blower or ductwork with this system. Boilers can use gas, electricity, wood, coal, or oil for fuel.
Furnace Heating
When you have a furnace, it can be fueled with gas, oil, or electricity. Air is heated and circulated into rooms via ductwork. The wall registers may be placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling.
Pros and Cons
One big factor to consider with these two systems is comfort. With a radiant system, the entire room will be heated with very little temperature difference between the top of the room and the bottom. With a furnace, the air at the top will be much warmer than the air at the bottom.
Economically speaking, your costs with each system will vary. A radiant system is more expensive to install but is cheaper to operate. Energy costs could be more with a furnace as heat can be lost in the ducts if they are not properly sealed and insulated. If a certain type of fuel is very expensive in your area, it may be more economical to replace a furnace with one that uses a different fuel and that is more energy efficient.
One disadvantage to a radiant system is it will only heat your house. You will still have to find a way to cool your home in the summer. So depending on the climate, a heat pump with a furnace may be a good option for you.
If you have had an expensive furnace repair and are looking into alternatives, consult with a professional. He has the expertise to help you make the right decision for your comfort and budget.