Advancements in heating technologies have provided a wide range of options for your small business in Nashua, NH. Let’s explore them with an emphasis on energy efficiency to see which type of heating installation can save you the most money on your monthly heating bills during our long, cold winters.
Forced-Air Furnaces
Forced-air furnaces heat air and then force it through ductwork. There are traditional furnaces, similar to those used in homes, and rooftop units. Furnaces remain the most popular way to heat businesses and homes in the U.S.
Electric vs. Fuel-Burning Furnaces
The industry uses annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) to measure the energy efficiency of furnaces and boilers. Electric furnaces typically have an AFUE rating at or near 100. Despite that efficiency, fuel-burning furnaces are usually more cost-effective due to electricity rates. Prevalent fuel options for furnaces include natural gas, liquid propane, and heating oil. Mid-efficiency fuel furnaces have an AFUE rating of around 80. That indicates that they successfully convert 80% of the fuel they burn into heating that reaches your commercial spaces.
Modulating and Variable-Speed Furnaces
With both electric and fuel-burning furnaces, there are modulating and variable-speed configurations. Conventional furnaces run at a consistent speed. Modulating furnaces can switch between a low and high mode depending on current heating needs. Furnaces with variable-speed blowers can ramp up and down in 5% increments.
Condensing Furnaces
Condensing systems are a type of high-efficiency furnace specific to fuel-burning furnaces. Systems that are both condensing and modulating or variable-speed are an option. Traditional fuel-burning furnaces lose heat through the process of venting toxic gases. Condensing furnaces limit that energy loss with a second heat exchanger. By condensing the moisture from the gases before venting, they reclaim that heat in a usable form.
Hydronic Heating Systems
Hydronic heating systems are an alternative to furnaces. These systems function by heating water either to or near the boiling point. Boilers tend to be more energy-efficient than furnaces and have longer lifespans, which results in a lower total cost. Another advantage is that there’s no forced air and thus no negative impact on air quality.
Boilers are popular for commercial locations, as they’re cost-effective for short- and long-term use. Another reason is that there’s a lot of room for customization in the heat delivery. There are many different types of radiators, including wall and baseboard radiators. Electric and hydronic radiant panels are an option as well. That includes floor panels but also wall and ceiling panels.
Hot Water vs. Steam Boilers
Hot water boilers heat water near the boiling point but never reach it. Steam boilers, on the other hand, boil the water so that it condenses into vapor. Hot water boilers are more prevalent for new installations. They are more energy efficient and provide finer and more consistent temperature control. Hot water boilers are also safer because they operate at lower pressure. Still, steam remains a viable and efficient option. Commercial customers will often choose steam when they’re replacing a steam boiler and can continue using their existing radiators.
Electric vs. Fuel-Burning Boilers
As with furnaces, electric boilers run cleaner and are more energy efficient. They also require less maintenance. That said, fuel-burning furnaces are generally more cost-effective due to the cost of fuel relative to the cost of electricity.
Condensing Boilers
Standard boilers have an AFUE of around 82. Condensing boilers start at 90 AFUE and range up. Like a high-efficiency furnace, these models use a second heat exchanger to curb heat losses through the exhaust process.
Heat Pumps
Furnaces and boilers provide heat by generating it directly. On the other hand, heat pumps transfer heat from one medium to another and work with or without ducts to cool or warm an indoor area. Heat from a heat pump is often more efficient and less expensive than heat from a furnace or boiler.
Air-Source Heat Pumps
The most prevalent and least expensive heat pump type is air sourced. These models transfer heat to and from the ambient air. A potential issue is that there’s limited heat in the winter air. That means that many systems work best when the temperature is above freezing, although there are models on the market that perform well even when the temperatures drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal systems use a closed loop to transfer heat to and from the ground. Heat is more abundant and consistent in the earth so there’s no cold-weather threshold. These systems do cost more initially, but you may recoup the added investment in the long term.
Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
Dual-fuel heat pumps, also called hybrid heating, overcome the cold-weather challenge with air-source models. They do this by pairing a mid-efficiency heat pump and furnace. The heat pump provides heating most of the time. When the weather gets too cold, the furnace delivers it instead.
Mini Splits
A mini split has an outdoor heat pump condenser and individual indoor air handlers for each room or zone. It does not use ducts. Mini-split heat pumps will often have electric resistive strips for auxiliary heating.
Variable Refrigerant Flow
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are similar to mini splits. The main difference is that VRF systems can independently adjust refrigerant flow to each indoor unit. That allows for even greater efficiency and the ability to cool some zones while heating others.
Mechanical Ventilation
A mechanical ventilation system, such as a whole-site fan, can ensure your commercial location gets enough fresh air. There are fans that you can run in winter and can increase heating efficiency. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) extracts heat from stale air before exhausting it and uses it to preheat fresh air. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is similar to an HRV but also extracts and adds moisture to help avoid dry air.
Humidifiers
The optimal range for relative humidity is 30% to 60%. In that range, people feel warmer at a lower temperature. Lowering your heat by several degrees can reduce your annual heating bill by about 3%. If your furnace is causing low relative humidity, a furnace humidifier is a solution. If your RH issues are more widespread, you can opt for a whole-site humidifier instead.
Programmable and Smart Thermostats
Adding advanced thermostat control to your new heating system is a worthwhile investment. Even a basic programmable thermostat will lower heating costs by 8% annually on average. Smart thermostats provide additional ways to save, such as energy monitoring.
Commercial Heating Installations in Nashua and Canterbury
Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. is a contractor that provides commercial HVAC services along with residential work, and has locations in Nashua and Canterbury. Our company has served this region for over 30 years. Our NATE-certified technicians install, maintain, and repair all ducted and ductless heating and cooling systems. We perform oil-to-gas conversions and install and service tank and tankless water heaters. You can also count on us for high-quality HVAC filters and whole-site air purification systems. Contact Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. today to learn more about these products and services for both old, established buildings as well as new construction.
