Combo / Integrated
Heating Systems
What are they? A combination, or integrated, heating system is one that provides domestic hot water and heating from one source. The fuel for the heat source could be gas, oil, or, electric. The heat source itself is either a hot water heater or solar panel. The most common is a gas or oil-fired water heater connected to a combination air handler.
The system works via a room thermostat controlling a circulating pump that calls on hot water from the tank. Cool house air then passes over hot water in the air handler’s coil, producing an even heat through the home’s ductwork.
Some typical advantages to this type of system include:
a) Only one heat source to install and service
b) Water heaters are often less complicated and more reliable than furnaces
c) Much less expensive to install than a water heater and mid-efficiency furnace when the cost of venting is considered
d) Additional zone/area heating can be installed and controlled by a separate thermostat
e) Cheaper to operate than separate, or traditional, forced air furnace and hot water heater systems
f) Quieter than furnaces
Aside from using and air handler or forced air system, the domestic hot water heater can be used with other heat delivery systems such as hydronic baseboards, ceiling radiant panels, baseboards, and in floor radiant systems.
Natural Resources Canada projects that integrated heating systems will account for more than 50% of home heating systems in the near future. They also state that this system is the most efficient way to heat your home compared with all other gas systems. They are as efficient as a high efficiency furnace with about a 45% saving on hot water.
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