Passive solar water heating systems store water for cold and cloudy days but can run out of heat after a long cold spell. Passive systems are more dependable, cost less and can last longer than active systems. There are two types of passive solar water heating systems: integral collector-storage passive systems: the sun heats the water through a transparent cover on a storage tank that transports the water into a plumbing system. This system works well in environments that aren’t susceptible to freezing. Thermosyphon systems: the collector on a roof heats the water that flows into the plumbing system when someone turns on the hot water faucet.

Solar heating systems are one of the newest or oldest heating systems, depending on how you look at it. People have been using direct sunlight to heat their homes virtually forever. Modern solar systems are efficient and powerful enough to match the output of gas and electric-powered heating systems. Modern solar systems use solar panels to transform sunlight directly into heat energy. Solar panel power can be combined with pretty much any kind of heating system to power its distribution. For example, solar water heating systems use energy gathered from solar panels to heat water and distribute it through your house, just like a gas or electric boiler.

When it comes to home heating and cooling for your central indiana residence, there are numerous types of heating systems that can do the job for you. Many homeowners are used to central furnace forced air systems that use natural gas or fuel oil to generate heated air, but today, there are more options for home heating systems than ever! boiler systems including condensing gas fired boilers, oil fired condensing boilers, and hydronic systems that are steam or hot water systems; air source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps with indoor air handlers that act as both a heating system and air conditioning systems; radiant floor heating; hybrid dual fuel air conditioner and heating units; mini split heat pumps for heating and air conditioning; electric resistance heating from baseboard heaters; and even electric space heaters and gas fired space heaters.

10. Gravity Air Furnace

When you want a low-maintenance solution, gravity air furnaces also deliver warm air through wall ducts to each room but instead of forcing the air (like the forced air system we mention above), gravity systems work on a simple gravity method. This means that warm air rises and cool air sinks, naturally. So, a gravity air furnace in the basement will work by heating the air, which rises and distributes through ducts into each room. Price-wise, the cost for installing a new one ranges from around $8,000 to $10,000 with running costs at around $50 to $100 per year.

Central heat is a common choice for new and old heating systems. These systems provide heat for an entire building or set of interior rooms, warming the whole house using a central heat source. The unit is typically isolated in a basement or attic. The system uses fuel to heat air or water, and the heat is then carried through the house using ducts or pipes. Central systems can use electricity, natural gas or oil. Heating oil can be an excellent choice for furnaces and boilers since it’s cheaper and safer than natural gas. Installation costs for central systems vary from affordable to expensive.

Installation costs. Installation costs of a storage water heater are typically much more reasonable than a tankless water heater due to the fact that installation usually involves trading out an older unit with a newer unit. Less maintenance. A storage water heater uses a simple design, which means there is less of a chance of it breaking down and requiring service. And, if it does need service, repair costs are usually fairly cheap. Affordable. The upfront cost of a storage water heater is significantly less than other hot water heater options, especially when the cost of installation is factored in.

Single room acs, such as mini-split, or portable units require fewer repairs and are quite easy to maintain. The central unit has lengthy ductwork that requires professional maintenance. On average, duct cleaning costs around $400. Related: is air duct cleaning a waste of money? ac ducts guide for cleaning and maintenance.