Furnaces

Over 60% Of American Homes Are Heated by Furnaces.

Furnaces heat up entire buildings and are usually a part of a central heating system. Originally, years ago, furnaces burned wood, but as time passed, wood was replaced by coal and oil. Today’s furnaces tend to be popular according to the different climates and areas of the country and world. A survey conducted in 2015 indicated that the majority of American homes are heated in the winter by natural gas furnaces, electric furnaces or electric heat pumps. Most homes in the United States have natural gas-burning furnaces, and the second most popular type of furnace is the electric. Other types of fuel used in the United States include distilled fuel oil, kerosene, and of course, wood. In the Houston area, most homes are heated by electric furnaces.

Portable electric heaters are also used in about 20% of U.S. homes as a secondary source of heat, while fireplaces burning natural gas or wood are popular in about 20% of homes. Another source of heat to supplement furnaces is the old-fashioned fireplace, the hearth of the home. Combinations of different heating systems are common throughout America.

The Most Efficient Way to Stay Warm in the Winter

Since we can’t all move to a warmer winter climate, we need to depend on some type of heating system to keep out the cold. Note that older furnaces are not an efficient way to heat up your home. They tend to lack the features and technology developed in recent years that make for a warm and comfortable home at the least expense.

What About a Gas Furnace?

Natural gas furnaces have gas supplied through a supply pipe installed in your home that brings in gas from gas lines controlled by a local utility company. Since natural gas furnaces are in the majority of American homes, gas lines are readily available except in some more remote, rural areas. Natural gas units tend to be very cost effective because the cost of natural gas has become very low in recent years.

Consider an Electric Furnace!

Electric furnaces don’t burn fuel and don’t emit exhaust gases like carbon monoxide, fumes or air particulates that can affect your health. But, they are more expensive, in most areas of the country, to operate than gas furnaces.

Also, There Is The Oil-Fueled Furnace

With the oil furnace, heating oil is delivered by a local supplier and stored in a tank either outside or inside your home. One possible disadvantage is that you need to be sure to check the tank frequently to make sure you don’t run out of oil at the wrong time, when the weather gets unexpectedly cold. Heating oil also is expensive.

Prestige Heating and Air Conditioning’s team of experienced consultants can help you decide what type of furnace is ideal for your home. Keep warm and comfortable during the cold months of the year! Just give us a call at (281) 288-6211 to set up an appointment to check out all the possibilities.

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