If you are living in an apartment, then it is unlikely that you are going to have central heating or air conditioning installed in the space. In this event you will need to explore alternative heating options for the space, there are plenty of choices for you to select from. When making your choice it is important to consider a few different factors such as what is the size of the space that you are looking to heat, how often will you be using the heating units and how much money you wish to spend on the unit. Let’s take a look at some of the most common options for heating an apartment, and the benefits and disadvantages each one can bring.
Mini Split System
One of the most popular choices for those looking to heat an apartment is to have a mini split system installed. These HVAC systems have a reverse cycle split system which enables them to efficiently heat and cool a property. The installation involves having a unit placed outside the home and then one or more units installed inside the home. Installation will need to be done by a professional. These units are notoriously efficient when it comes to heating and working as an air conditioner and they don’t take up any floor space at all. By using this system, you can also zone off areas, which helps with efficiency. The only main drawbacks are the aesthetics of having the unit on your wall and the potentially high running costs if you utilize it often.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating may also be a good option for an apartment, and they can be installed under any type of flooring from ceramic to carpet. The heating system features a network of hot water pipes below the surface and it evenly spreads heat throughout the home. Drawbacks of this heating option is that it is tough to install with floors having to be entirely lifted, and you can’t zone off certain areas. However, this heating option uses minimal power and it makes no noise at all.
Portable Solutions
If you don’t feel that you need something as heavy duty as the options above, then you could also explore the possibility of a portable heater. In this case there is also a number of different choices available.
- Electric Panel Heater
These are low cost heaters which are simple to operate, cheap to run and heat up a space very quickly. They are limited in terms of the space that they can heat up and they must of course be close to an electrical outlet to use.
- Kerosene Heaters
These heaters provide a huge amount of heat and they can be easily moved around the home. These heaters have a live flame and you will have to ensure that there is oxygen coming into the room to avoid the flame dying quickly. These perform very well, but they can be expensive to buy and upkeep.
- Electric Fan Heater
An electric fan heater will be able to warm a large space and they are inexpensive to purchase, although they can be pricey to run given the amount of power that they use. The heaters are very easy to move around, and many models can be operated using a remote control.
Hopefully this has shed some light on heating options for your apartment. Happy hunting.
