The cost of heating a home has risen exponentially in the United States, so having a small house may be beneficial. There are many different heating options for a smaller home, and you won’t need to have it on 24/7 to stay relatively warm. From halogen lamps to HVAC systems, we’ve got you covered with this list of seven heating options for small houses.
Window Treatments
Windows are essential for letting light into your home, boosting your mental health, and allowing your body clock to stay true. However, windows let cold air into your home, which is why we recommend getting your hands on curtains designed for retaining heat during the winter. Further, you can have shutters added to your windows, which will work to keep the cold air out.
Insulation
Regardless of your home’s size, insulation is a no-brainer when it comes to keeping the home warm. There are many different types of insulation, but contractors favor fiberglass these days because of its versatility and cost. However, you still need to do some work by regularly checking walls for cracks. If you have cracks around doors and windows, cold air will enter your home and counteract your heating efforts, whether you have insulation or not.
Fireplace
If your home isn’t open plan, your living room will benefit from a fireplace, which is perfect for heating enclosed areas. There are many different types of fireplaces, with some of them connected to the gas line. However, if you’re in a position to pay the installation cost for a wood burner, it will be more economical than central heating or gas. You can explore an excellent range of wood burner fires from the popular Drolet brand, all you need to do is follow the link.
Supplemental Heating
Sometimes, no matter how much your heating stays on, there are cold patches in the home. Fortunately, you can use supplemental heat to fill the gap. There are countless child-safe radiators out there, which are perfect for placement anywhere in the home. Alternatively, you can choose to use halogen heat lamps, which are more economical than traditional heating methods.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating may sound like an unattainable feat, but your local HVAC installation team will be able to install it for you while you’re having a remodel or renovation. Underfloor heating is especially beneficial for small homes because it provides comfort at a low operating cost. Besides, can you think of anything cozier than stepping out of the bath and standing over a heated surface?
Combi Boilers
Opting for a combination, or ‘combi’ boiler, can be an excellent investment, particularly for small homes. Not only are these boilers compact and space-saving, but they’re also notably energy-efficient, potentially reaching an efficiency of up to 90%.
Their compact size eliminates the need for a separate hot water cylinder or cold water storage tank, freeing up valuable space. If you’re upgrading from a conventional boiler, a combi model can usually be installed without much hassle in the previous boiler’s location, freeing up your airing cupboard for other uses.
Despite their convenience, combi boilers are ideally suited to homes with one or two bathrooms due to potential water pressure drops when multiple outlets need hot water simultaneously. Regular maintenance from a certified professional is recommended to keep your boiler operating effectively and extend its lifespan.
Despite a potentially higher initial cost, the long-term energy savings and spatial efficiency of a combi boiler make it a wise choice for small homes.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are typically associated with the summer months, but they’re beneficial during the winter if you have an HVAC system installed. Forcing warm air downwards toward your living spaces will make you feel as though there’s more heat inside your home. To help your fan, we recommend switching it to backward mode – if your model supports this. As well as circulating air, a ceiling fan will help to deal with humidity issues.
Entrance Rooms
If you’re able to remodel your small home or you’re building it from scratch, you should aim to reduce heat transfer. Therefore, we recommend including an entrance room, which will allow people to take off their shoes and coats before entering the rest of your home. If you don’t have the funds for a remodel, you can put up a heavy curtain along your entrance hall.
Having a small home is beneficial because it means less money is spent on heating the entire house. Even if you’re installing more expensive heating methods, like underfloor heating, you’ll spend much less in the long term.