Homestead Heating: What Are My Options?
Homestead living is a dream come true in many ways, but winter is always just around the corner when you're an off-grid living enthusiast. Protecting your crops and livestock when the cold comes in is second nature. Protecting yourself may require a little extra thought and planning, though. Understanding your heating options is a must for getting you through the winter — at least, getting you through the winter without wearing all your clothes at once or listening to your teeth chatter during late-night trips to the bathroom.
Many types of heating systems are suited to homestead living and the best one for you depends on your property, budget and needs. The choice can seem overwhelming, but going through your options step-by-step can help you choose how you'll stay warm through the spring thaw.
Should I Use a Wood Stove?
Self-sufficiency is integral to homesteading, and a wood stove fits nicely with off-grid living. A wood stove will rank quite high if you're looking for the most efficient way to heat a home. You'll have a lovely, old-fashioned fireplace that heats the whole building.
Pros of a Wood Stove
Wood stoves are excellent at extracting every last inch of heat from the logs you feed them. These stoves provide a high enough heat output to heat your entire home without a single kilowatt of electricity. You also have more control over your heating and can adjust the temperature easily by burning more or less wood.
If eco-friendliness is a consideration, you'll want to look for a newer model. Modern versionsproduce fewer harmful emissions, lowering global and local ambient air pollution. New EPA-certified wood stoves are also remarkably efficient, usingone-third as much firewoodto generate the same amount of heat.
Cons of a Wood Stove
Installation and the appliance itself can leave a dent in your pocket, though its durability and the sustainability of having one in your home can help offset the cost.
If you've never used a wood stove before, it might take a little getting used to. You'll have to stock up on cords of wood and keep them on hand at all times. You may even have to chop the wood yourself, which is great cardio, but a bit of a hassle. If you don't live near a forest, you may have to travel some distance to harvest your firewood.
Finally, the stove's body can get scorching hot, which could pose a safety risk to pets and small children.
Should I Use a Masonry Fireplace?
For a more traditional and aesthetically pleasing option, consider a masonry fireplace made of brick, stone and mortar. These fireplaces are most often installed during construction, though you can add the firebox and chimney afterward.
Pros of a Masonry Fireplace
Masonry fireplaces are functional and possess a certain rustic charm, making them a firm favorite. Their undeniable charm creates an ambiance that's challenging to replicate with other systems.
Masonry fireplaces are also versatile. Brick and mortar hold heat very well, so it can be an excellent choice for heating your homestead for long periods. You can also use masonry fireplaces to boil water if you'd like to save on energy costs.
Cons of a Masonry Fireplace
On the flip side, masonry fireplaces are large, with space-invading attachments like the chimney and hearth. You might find you're limited in where you can place your fireplace. Masonry fireplaces are fixtures in your home, so you'd better be sure about the location — as there'll be no moving it later, regardless of how it turns out.
Building a masonry fireplace in your home will be expensive and you'll also need to factor in cleaning and maintenance costs. The chimney serves as an exhaust and gets dirty quickly. Without regular maintenance and cleaning, blockages can develop and lead to fire hazards ordangerous carbon monoxide backflow.
Should I Use a Pellet Stove?
Pellet stoves take the guesswork out of homestead heating and provide one of the cheapest ways to heat a home. There isn't much opportunity for human error, either, so you'll be safe even if you have one too many glasses of red wine in front of the fire on a cold winter night.
Pros of a Pellet Stove
You can use a thermostat to control your pellet stove's temperature, and the central control panel makes them easy to operate. There's no need for manual adjustments with a pellet stove — its automation takes care of the temperature and airflow.
Pellet stoves are incredibly efficient, providing a lot of heat per pellet. Thishighly clean-burning stove optiongives you as much heat as possible from every pellet with minimal waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all new pellet stoves tomeet low-emission standards, which is fantastic for sustainability.
Installation is cost-effective and sincepellet stoves don't require ventilation, you can install them anywhere you want. There are several models to choose from to suit the needs and sizes of the heated areas. While you'll have to clean them every few days, manufacturers have made pellet stoves easy to clean. Storing your fuel is also tidy and straightforward. You can buy the fuel in bags and keep some inside the stove — no mess, no fuss.
Cons of a Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves are electric, with additional bulky components that take up space and are challenging to move. These electrical components also make pellet stoves more of a hassle to maintain. You'll need to clean them out often and have a certified technician.
The electricity means you'll have another energy cost in addition to the fuel pellets. Reduced availability can increase fuel prices. Those pellets are also manufactured, meaning you can't harvest your own the way you can with firewood. If you let your supply get low, you could freeze while trying to get more.
Pellet stoves have a less traditional look — even the flames are different, which may not fit your homestead aesthetic. You also won't get the pleasant lull of a crackling fire with a pellet stove, as all their moving parts make them noisy.
Should I Use a Heat Pump?
A heat pump could make your shortlist if you're looking for more than just a heating option. The systemuses heat from the outside airto warm your home. These multifunctional devices also remove the need for an air conditioning system while providing a reliable heating option in the colder months.
Pros of Heat Pumps
A heat pump is many people's first choice for homesteading temperature control. Instead of burning fuel to generate heat, they draw in heat from outside to warm your home. They'll alsohelp you reduce costscompared to other electric heating options and limit your reliance on fossil fuels — a plus if you're environmentally conscious!
Heat pumps are user-friendly and low maintenance, which is good news if you prefer to spend your time doing something other than figuring out your heating system. They also don't use gas or release carbon monoxide, making them a safer heating option for small spaces and homes with children.
Cons of Heat Pumps
Despite their popularity, heat pumps do come with some downsides. Incorporating a complex technology is expensive, so expect to pay a pretty penny for installation, repairs and maintenance. Heat pumps also run on electricity, which can get expensivedue to rising natural gas prices.
Heat pumps do better in temperate areas, as their efficiency plummets in colder climates. You'll also get cold quickly in a power outage unless you have a backup plan.
Should I Use Geothermal Heating?
Although geothermal heating is a bit complex, it has significant advantages in terms of off-grid energy.
Geothermal systems come in different types. Underground tubes circulate water — sometimes mixed with antifreeze — that the earth's temperature warms in winter and cools in summer. The tube systems connect to a unit in your homestead that converts the liquid into heated air, which travels throughout your home.
Pros of Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling costs. This eco-friendly systemcreates minimal air pollution, though you'll still need electricity from solar or grid power to operate one.
Like heat pumps, geothermal systems draw heat from the environment. However, geothermal heating is suitable for any climate since it pulls heat from the ground instead of the air.
Cons of Geothermal Heating
If you want the benefits of geothermal heating, you have to be willing to pay for them. You can't take advantage of this system unless you're prepared to dig up the roses and dip into your savings.
Installing a complex system like this is expensive. You may need to dig up your garden, as installation requires extensive landscaping to place the underground pipes. Depending on the technology, you might also need to upgrade the ducts in your home.
Should I Use Solar Heating?
There may not be more sustainable off-grid heating than harnessing the sun's energy. Solar heating systems are gaining popularity, though they still come with their own challenges.
Pros of Solar Heating
With solar heating, youmay not need to use electricityat all. You're producing clean energy and minimizing your carbon footprint, as the sun's heat is entirely renewable. Once you get past the installation, solar may well be the cheapest way to heat a home.
Cons of Solar Heating
Sounds perfect, right? Pay specific attention to the phrase "once you get past the installation." A solar-powered heating system isn't cheap to install — quite the opposite. The upfront installation costs can be prohibitive, although thelong-term energy savingsstill make it worth exploring as long as the sun shines.
Solar heating isn't suited to all climates. As the name suggests, solar heating requires sunlight, so your heating system won't work if you're short on that. If you live in a primarily overcast area, you may find that you can't generate heat at all.
Additionally, you'll need an inverter to change your DC current to AC. Depending on your inverter capacity — the maximum power your system can provide — more than a few days of bad weather might leave you shivering in the cold.
Should I Use Passive Building?
If your homestead is in the design or redesign phase, you can use passive building techniques to design a house that needs less energy. Instead of relying on air conditioning and heating systems, these techniques focus on regulating temperatures byusing a building's passive influences— sunshine, shade and natural ventilation. Combine these principles with robust insulation and an airtight interior, and you have a passive house.
Pros of Passive Building
Passive building offers a lot of flexibility in the design, letting you build a house that suits your needs. A properly designed passive house willsignificantly reduce energy costsand improve indoor air quality, providing massive health benefits. You can alsoenjoy better-regulated temperaturesin the rooms.
Relying on innovative architecture to heat your home gives you peace of mind as you reduce your carbon footprint. In the long term, passive building is an excellent investment for eco-friendly and off-grid living.
Cons of Passive Building
The main hurdle in passive building is the cost. Most existing homes will require a complete rebuild and the specialized architecture and materials make the process more costly than building a typical house.
Working with an experienced contractor is essential, which can further increase the cost. However, it will help prevent errors that could otherwise lessen your homestead's eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.
What's the Best Heating Option for Your Homestead?
Everyone has unique needs and requirements for homestead heating. The choice of what's best for you depends on your preference. There are some considerations to narrow down your options, including the following:
- Location:Where you live is central to your decision. Consider your climate, the distance you'll have to travel to get fuel for your heating system and the reliability of backup power.
- Maintenance:Every heating system requires maintenance, but it's worth considering how much time you'd like to spend cleaning and tweaking your system. What would you like your life to look like? If you can't picture yourself scrubbing dirty chimneys, it's worth focusing on more user-friendly options.
- Aesthetics:How important is the look and feel of your heating system? Are you looking for something that fits seamlessly with your homestead's rustic design or a purely functional alternative? Try to picture the different heating systems in your home and see if they work.
- Budget:Some heating options come with significant initial expenses. Consider what you're willing to spend upfront and weigh that against the long-term cost of various heating options. Which is best suited to your needs now and in the future?
- Energy saving:How off-grid do you want to be? Perhaps you prefer to stay away from electricity altogether or stick to natural fuels like wood. Considering how sustainable you'd like your heating system to be can help you narrow down your choices.
Upgrade Your HVAC With Ingrams Water & Air
You have many options for upgrading your HVAC system, each with its own pros and cons. Ingrams Water & Air hasa wide range of optionsto suit your homestead's needs.
If you're looking for a way to save time, money and hassle when shopping for your next heating alternative, browse through what we have on offer. If you're interested in a pricier system, you might also want toconsider our financing options.
Feel free to share your questions with us and let one of our experts help you make the best decision.
FAQs
RunTru products share the exact same mechanical components as comparable Trane branded units. The price savings come from less non-mechanical additions such as supplemental sound insulators and more basic housing and finish options.
Is RunTru a good brand? ›
The RunTru brand is built by Trane and provides high-end AC systems at a reasonable price point. RunTru is one of the best air conditioner brands for 2023 because of the thoroughly tested and dependable AC units they manufacture. Only high-quality components are used in RunTru air conditioners.
How much is a Trane XR14 3.5 ton heat pump? ›
The Trane XR14 heat pump typically costs $5,300 - $7,300, including labor and permit fees.
Does Trane make a 3.5 ton heat pump? ›
This specific 3.5 Ton 14 SEER Trane RunTru Heat Pump Package Unit has a 14 SEER rating, a 3.5 ton cooling capacity, and an 8.0 heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) to make sure your home is at your desired temperature all year long.
Are Trane heat pumps better than carrier? ›
All the models belonging to the three tiers produced by Trane are more energy-efficient than that in Carrier. Thus, if energy efficiency is your prime consideration, it is advisable to buy any of the Trane ACs over Carrier.
Is Trane a high end brand? ›
Although Trane is considered one of the more expensive brands on the market, reviewers say it's worth the investment, particularly for the durability and overall comfort that the units provide during their lifespan, well past the average 15 years of many HVAC brands.
What is the SEER rating of RunTru? ›
*This product is rated as SEER2 to align with the 2023 Department of Energy regulations. All models feature 3/8″ liquid line. SEER2, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures how efficiently a unit can cool your home in the summer. The higher the SEER2 number, the less energy you'll use.
Is RunTru made in USA? ›
For all products offered, the design, fabrication, assembly and shipping processes are done at Residential manufacturing facilities located in Tyler, TX, Trenton, NJ, Vidalia, GA, and St. Louis, MO. America!” The products listed above meet the requirements of being “Assembled in the USA.”
Who manufactures RunTru? ›
It's all Tru. RunTru by Trane offers a line of heating and cooling equipment that's designed to perform and built to last.
Is a 14 SEER heat pump good enough? ›
A good SEER rating is typically 14 or higher.
Today's newer air conditioners, particularly Energy Star certified ones, are a constantly evolving technology, making them more energy-efficient than previous models. As a result, you save money on cooling your home no matter what the SEER rating.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine how many tons you'll need: 500 square feet: 1 ton. 1,000 square feet: 2 tons. 1,500 square feet: 3 tons.
What is the life expectancy of a Trane heat pump? ›
As long as your heat pump is properly maintained, high-quality models will last 10 to 20 years and an average of 15 years.
What is the average cost of a 3.5 ton heat pump? ›
Some Factors to Consider When Computing Heat Pump Installation Cost
| Heat Pump Capacity in Tons | Total Cost Range |
|---|
| 3 | $3,900-$6,200 |
| 3.5 | $3,900-$6,400 |
| 4 | $4,000-$7,300 |
| 5 | $4,500-$8,800 |
2 more rowsMost homeowners choose a 3-ton-capacity heat pump, which costs anywhere from $3,900 to $6,200, including labor. If you choose a lower capacity, you could see the price decrease to $3,500, and if you choose a higher capacity, you might see the price increase up to $8,800.
How much is a 3.5 ton Trane? ›
Price As Per the Size of the Unit
| Unit Size | Cooling Area | Cost of Unit only |
|---|
| 3 tons | 1600 – 1900 sq. ft. | $1,975 |
| 3.5 tons | 1900 – 2200 sq. ft. | $2,220 |
| 4 tons | 2200 – 2600 sq. ft. | $2,345 |
| 5 tons | 2600 – 3200 sq. ft. | $2,810 |
3 more rowsBoth Trane AC and Carrier AC units come with a moderately complex installation process and quality. However, Carrier air conditioners are easier to install in comparison to Trane air conditioners. But that also means Trane units will require professional handling, ensuring no room for mistakes by pros.
Are Trane heat pumps made in China? ›
Most Trane products are assembled in the USA! They have manufacturing facilities that assemble central air conditioners and heat pumps in Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, and Missouri. Even more local, some of the compressors used in Trane A/C's are made in Sidney, Ohio!
Is there a class action lawsuit against Trane? ›
Settlement Reached in Class Action Lawsuit Involving Trane and American Standard Air Conditioners. A settlement has been reached on behalf of nearly 500,000 current and former owners of Trane and American Standard air conditioners manufactured with an unapproved rust inhibitor that caused many units to fail.
Who bought out Trane? ›
The company traces its corporate history back more than 150 years and was created after a series of mergers and spin-offs. In 2008, HVAC manufacturer Trane was acquired by Ingersoll Rand, a US industrial tools manufacturer.
Which brand is better Carrier or Trane? ›
Between the two, you get a higher base rating from Trane, but Carrier's Infinity line has a significantly higher SEER rating. Both Carrier and Trane use the same refrigerant called R-410A for reliable and efficient operations.
Trane air conditioners range from 13.4 SEER2 up to 21.5 SEER2. But don't forget — this rating is a maximum. The efficiency of your system can vary based on the size of your home, your current ductwork and other variables.
What SEER rating do I need for HVAC? ›
The 7.5 HSPF2/14.3 SEER2 heat pump rating will become a national standard. Packaged units must meet 13.4 SEER2 and 6.7 HSPF2. All installed units after January 1st, 2023 must meet these new standards.
Should I go with a 13 SEER or 16 SEER? ›
Generally, the higher the SEER, the more efficient it is. If you are dealing with hot days and cool evenings you may want to consider a higher SEER amount. 13 SEER A/C units are single stage, which is cheaper initially but cost more to run in the same amount of time you'd be using the 16 SEER unit.
What is the difference between Trane 14 SEER and Trane 16 SEER? ›
A 16 SEER unit is about 13% more efficient than a 14 SEER. For every $100 you spend to cool your home with a 14 SEER, you could save $13 on your monthly bill by upgrading to the 16 SEER unit. But just like gas mileage, your ability to meet this maximum efficiency and savings depends on a lot of other factors.
Is Trane made in Mexico? ›
Today, Trane has 19 service offices in México. In 1998, Trane opened its first compressor manufacturing plant in Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, which has grown to 420,000 square meters with a production capacity of 2 million pieces per year, including scroll compressors, which have become a global technological icon for Trane.
How much is the RunTru furnace? ›
The perfect deal for your home
Get a brand new 14 SEER RunTru™ by Trane® Heating and Air Conditioning system from $3,795 to $5,795.
Who makes Trane products? ›
Trane is a subsidiary of Trane Technologies and is the sister company to the American Standard Companies. It makes products under the Trane and American Standard brand names with over 120 years of experience in the industry!
Is Goodman same as Trane? ›
Plus, Goodman is known as a budget-friendly brand with more affordable air conditioners in general. Known as a higher end brand, Trane has a wide selection of air conditioners available for homeowners. They also offer units with more features, such as variable stage AC units and smart thermostats.
Who competes with Trane? ›
Trane Technologies's competitors and similar companies include Sandvik, Carrier, Gilbert Mechanical Contractors and EMCOR Services Northeast. Trane Technologies (formerly known as Ingersoll-Rand) is a company that specializes in climate technologies.
Are American Standard and Trane made by the same company? ›
In 1984, American Standard Companies, Inc., acquired the Trane Company, and four years later, launched the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Brand. In 2007, American Standard Companies divided, allowing Trane to renew its business focus and leadership in integrated HVAC services and solutions.
That's right, on January 1st, 2023, 14 SEER AC systems will no longer be manufactured or sold in the United States. This follows the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) new SEER efficiency standards that will go into effect on the said date.
What SEER rating qualifies for tax credit 2023? ›
For a split air conditioner, it must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2) of 17 or higher. For a heat pump to qualify, it must be at least 18 SEER and have a heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) of at least 10.
How much does a 14 SEER unit cost? ›
AC Costs by SEER Rating
| SEER Efficiency Ratings | AC Unit + Installation | Energy Efficiency Level |
|---|
| 13-14 SEER | $2,820 | Standard Efficiency |
| 15-16 SEER | $3,420 | High Efficiency |
| 17-18 SEER | $4,650 | High Efficiency |
| 19-21 SEER | $5,390 | Very High Efficiency |
1 more rowMay 29, 2023
Undersized or Oversized Heat Pumps
Does it really matter if your heat pump isn't quite the right size? Yes, it really does. That is unless you enjoy paying higher utility costs and extra repair fees. If a unit is too small, it will struggle to produce enough energy to heat and cool your home.
What size heat pump do I need for 2000 sq ft? ›
If you have a 2,000-square-foot home, this rule of thumb suggests you need a 60,000 BTU heat pump.
How big of a house will a 3.5 ton AC unit cool? ›
Choose a unit that is 3.5 tons if your home measures more than 1,800 but not more than 2,100 square feet. A four-ton unit is suitable for homes that are more than 2,100 square feet up to 2,400 SF.
Can a Trane AC unit last 30 years? ›
In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
Are Trane heat pumps noisy? ›
Trane air conditioners have sound levels as low as 57 dB and heat pumps have sound levels as low as 43 dB in their quietest mode. With Trane systems, you can rest assured that our high-efficiency compressors and specially designed tonal envelopes provide low sound levels in both air conditioners and furnaces.
Should I replace my 20 year old HVAC? ›
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years, but as these systems age, they tend to get less efficient. If your HVAC is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient unit, such as one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label.
What is the downside to a heat pump? ›
Air source heat pumps can experience issues such as icing in cold temperatures, which can ultimately damage the system. Although modern heat pumps do often have automatic defrosting. Their efficiency will also be lower at very cold temperatures, and use more electricity during those cold days.
Heat Pump Electricity Usage Per Year
In the cooling mode, a heat pump can consume between 0.55-5.14 kWh per hour, 4.36-41.14 kWh per day, and 130.91-1234.29 kWh per month. The cost of operation at $0.15/kWh is $19.64-$185.14 per month.
How much should a 3.5 ton AC unit cost installed? ›
The national average cost to install a 3.5-ton AC unit is $5,000 to $9,000, with most homeowners paying $7,500 for a 3.5-ton split system with a SEER of 16 installed on a new concrete pad using existing ducts.
Can you replace just the outside unit of a heat pump? ›
You can replace a heat pump and not the other components, but the new unit must be compatible with the rest of your system. However, it's not recommended because if you mix and match, the new unit won't give you the right performance or efficiency.
How many CFM do I need for a 3.5 ton heat pump? ›
How Many CFM For 1 – 6 Ton Units? ( Chart)
| Unit Tonnage: | CFMs Required: |
|---|
| 3 Ton Unit | 1,200 CFM |
| 3.5 Ton Unit | 1,400 CFM |
| 4 Ton Unit | 1,600 CFM |
| 4.5 Ton Unit | 1,800 CFM |
7 more rowsYou don't need to carry out a comparison of Carrier Vs. Trane air conditioner in terms of price. This is because they are equals. All the air conditioners belonging to the three tiers are similar in terms of price.
Where is RunTru manufactured? ›
For all products offered, the design, fabrication, assembly and shipping processes are done at Residential manufacturing facilities located in Tyler, TX, Trenton, NJ, Vidalia, GA, and St. Louis, MO. America!”
What is an alternative to Trane? ›
Trane Technologies's competitors and similar companies include Sandvik, Carrier, Gilbert Mechanical Contractors and EMCOR Services Northeast.
How does Trane compare to carrier? ›
Both Trane AC and Carrier AC units come with a moderately complex installation process and quality. However, Carrier air conditioners are easier to install in comparison to Trane air conditioners. But that also means Trane units will require professional handling, ensuring no room for mistakes by pros.
Are Trane parts made in China? ›
Most Trane products are assembled in the USA! They have manufacturing facilities that assemble central air conditioners and heat pumps in Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, and Missouri.
Is Trane made in the USA? ›
Trane air conditioners and heat pumps are assembled all across America in Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, and Missouri. More locally, some of the compressors used in Trane air conditioners are made in Sidney, Ohio!
The Trane XR14 is by far the best value. With its high efficiency ratings and affordable price, you won't be sorry if you choose this air conditioner. The unit also features a SEER rating of up to 16, so you can expect to save energy once you replace a less efficient, older unit.
What is the life expectancy of a Trane HVAC system? ›
In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
Who is Trane biggest competitor? ›
trane.com Top 6 competitors
The closest competitor to the trane.com is carrier.com that ranks 45887 worldwide, 15698 in United States. According to our estimations carrier.com is getting 1.8M visits in May 2023 and the authority score of this domain is 59.
Is Lennox better then Trane? ›
In general, a Trane unit can be expected to last much longer than the 10-15 years that apply to most other units. While Trane beats out Lennox for durability, that doesn't mean Lennox units aren't solidly built. Like Trane, Lennox uses an all-aluminum coil for a corrosion-resistant build.
Is Trane more expensive than Lennox? ›
Lennox VS Trane: Price Comparison
Both these brands have authorized dealers to sell their products. Comparatively, Lennox is more expensive than Trane because of its exceptional quality and efficiency. So if you value efficiency & the environment then Lennox may be a better choice for you.
Is Carrier as good as Trane? ›
Between the two, you get a higher base rating from Trane, but Carrier's Infinity line has a significantly higher SEER rating. Both Carrier and Trane use the same refrigerant called R-410A for reliable and efficient operations.
What SEER rating do I need? ›
Since January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14. By upgrading from SEER 9 to SEER 14, you can reduce your energy consumption by more than 35%.
