Building a new house

[sharpshooter]

Im looking to build in the next couple of months and was curious what available options are out there for heating up the house, I know gas and electric, is there anything else. Whats cheaper of the 2, which one is more efficient. Id like it to be efficient but I also want to keep cost in mind as well. I have never built a house so everything is new to me. Help me out fellas. Im in West Tennessee, so my winters are not to bad, BUT it does get cold here every now and again ( down to about 6 last night)

 

[sixty4]

Gas I would assume would be cheaper than electric (but the way its going who knows)? If talking about LP propane remember it takes more input to get the same BTU ratings out as compared to oil. With that being said more info is needed to help out more. Is it Nat Gas or Propane? What is cost per gallon of LP vs Oil in your area? Also what is your cost per kilowatt hour in your area if considering electric?

 

[rickairmedic]

Sharpshhoter Gas and Electric are both economical but in their own rights above 40 electric is quite economical below 40 gas or propane is the way to go . I know not helping but wait there is help here what I would recomend is a dual fuel system known as Hybrid Heat by Carrier best of both worlds electric heat when its more economical above 35 and gas or propane when it gets colder and the ( electric back up heat ) would begin to kick in on a standard straight electric system . Feel free to PM me and I can help as much as I can with design and sizing for your new home and maybe help with what you should look for in Pricing for the right system for your home and no I dont work in Tennessee so I can install it but I can give you an idea of what to look for .


Thanks
Rick

 

[6768rogues]

Electric 3400 BTU per kilowatt, 100% efficient
Propane 92,500 BTU per gallon, 80% to 95% efficient
Natural gas, typically purchased per therm which is 100,000 BTU, efficiency 80% to 95%
Fuel oil 145,000 BTU per gallon, can vary in heat content, 80% or more efficient
More efficient equipment costs more initially.
Call around for prices and check your crystal ball for future prices.
Unless you live in one of those places with 3 cent electricity, it will probably have the lowest initial cost and highest operating cost.

 

[sharpshooter]

It would be natural gas, I would have to check on the figures to see what electric is going for on kilowatts. Ive heard of some type of heater that uses heat off of the ac to warm up water essentially meaning free hot water. Anybody have an idea to what im talking about???

 

[jklingel]

A wood stove, wood furnace, or wood boiler of interest? If you have wood available, it may be well worth it to at least accommodate for a wood burner later down the road. Putting in a second chimney later will not be fun. You may want to check out some of the dual fuel stoves, like a Tarm wood/oil boiler. Maybe you don't need heat very often, though; don't know Tenn at all. See hearth.com for tons of info on them, and good luck building. DO NOT go cheap and/or quickly on the foundation, please. Whatever you put into the floor, footers, etc, is dirt cheap compared to trying to "fix" it later. Good luck, as you have a huge, potentially safisfying task ahead of you.

 

[CraigFL]

You also will want to consider a heat pump -- both air type and ground water type. You could easily save 1/2 on your heating cost...

 

[sharpshooter]

I have heard some good things about heat pumps. Im gonna have to check them out. Is there any good info sites about them.

 

[littlechub]

i would look into a quality heat pump or if its a house you plan to own and live in for a long time give geothermal a serious look. geothermal is the most effecient thing available and worth every penny if you can afford the initial cost of installation. if you do consider geothermal look at a closed loop sytsem and stay away from hydrotemp brand equipment.

 

[PhantomEB]

Just make sure you consider infloor heat, I hear its the most efficient way to maintain the heat.