More and more homeowners are turning to heat pumps to save on their utility bills, including Kelowna residents Dave and Rita Anzalone.
The couple installed an underfloor heating system nine years ago that saves them over $1,000 a year in heating costs, something they profess to take for granted when engaged with some of their favourite pastimes, like exploring some of the newest online casinos in the colder months. Having extra heating devices is always a pleasure, considering it doesn’t incur any high bills.
For instance, if a household has a radiator, they can still have underfloor heating installed. A qualified HVAC professional from somewhere like FSi Oil and Propane can install a two port valve if the radiators run off the same boiler as the underfloor heating. A digital radiator valve and a quality brand boiler can be installed for free at your home if you qualify for a central heating grant. Free boiler grants can be available under the government ECO home scheme.
Since then, their bill has decreased from about $7,500 to about $6,000.
“I’m not sure how we got it, but I think maybe through a television show that you might get energy-efficient windows,” said Rita.
Dave explains that even if you aren’t going to install any windows, a more energy efficient furnace can be installed for about $500 to $600 to save about $1,000 over a year.
“It’s not a cheap product; it’s more expensive than a paint job or something,” he said. “But it’s a huge energy saver.”
But Dave says his savings would be even bigger if his $9,000 cold cellar had a similar underfloor heating system installed.
There are many benefits to heating with underfloor heating.
Underfloor heating has been around for more than a century, and its usage is growing every year.
Underfloor heating costs far less than using conventional heating systems.
Because the heat is distributed from underneath, the only waste heat produced is heat that escapes the house.
You won’t have to run air conditioning or heat during the winter when you don’t want to.
In fact, the system can also be combined with renewable energy sources like solar.
Solar panels are installed on the roof of your home and can produce enough electricity to warm your home.
This system has many benefits, but a cold cellar is one of its biggest.
A cold cellar collects excess heat from your home and the ground and stores it for later use.
But that’s where cold storage comes in. A cold cellar is placed below the basement floor and is used to store food.
Right now, an underfloor heating system is used to heat the cellar only. But the Anzalones are hoping to eventually convert the cold cellar into an in-home cold storage room.
“I think it’s the future, because it will take energy from the natural world,” said Dave.
Meanwhile, Dave hopes to hear what you think about his system on our blog and in our next Underfloor Heating chat, which happens at 4:20 p.m. on May 9.
How to Change Your Heating System to Save Money
Dave and Rita say switching to a more energy efficient heating system can be very complicated and there are many factors to consider.
If you want to change to a more efficient heating system, you may want to browse through sites like romeosfuel.com or alike ones. They might be able to provide you with better suggestions on what you can incorporate.
Also, if interested, contact a home improvement company. They can also assist you better. But, keep in mind that this is a long-term process.
You should also call your energy provider and find out if you can get a low-cost or energy-saving rebates.
If the system you have is a heating system in your basement, you will have to pay a monthly heating bill.
If your system is on your roof, the maximum savings you can get is around 10 to 20 per cent.
During winter months, it’s important to have a clean and fresh exterior.
