Heating Options For A Small Apartment

Do you have a small apartment that you'd like to heat independently from the rest of the building? Doing so can be a huge advantage to the tenants as it allows them to control their own heat. Separately heating the space also makes it easier to separate the energy bills for that one apartment. So, what kinds of heating systems work well for small homes? Here are some top options to discuss with your heating contractor.

Heat Pump

An air source heat pump is a good option to explore if you want to both heat and air condition the apartment. These units can be installed through the wall. They work like air conditioners or refrigerant coils — they gather heat from one side of the wall and pass it off to the other side. In the winter, the heat pump will gather heat from outdoors and pump it into the home. In the summer, the reverse will happen; the unit will gather heat from inside the home and discharge it outside.

Heat pumps are electric, which makes them suitable for apartments without a gas supply. They are quite energy-efficient, and they are easy to install. A heating contractor can generally install one within a day or less. Your tenant can control the heat pump with a thermostat on the front of the unit. Some newer models even come with remote controls.

Direct Vent Gas Space Heaters

If the apartment has a gas connection and natural gas is more affordable than electricity in your area, then you may want to install a direct-vent gas space heater in the apartment. This option works well if you do not need or want to air condition the space, or if the tenant has a separate window AC unit they can use.

A direct vent gas space heater is like a permanent space heater. It is vented to the outdoors so that dangerous fumes do not build up inside. There are no ducts; it just releases heat from the unit itself. However, most models have a rather powerful fan that can propel the heat out into the space, making for pretty even temperatures inside a small apartment.

Both of these options have their pros and cons. Talk to a heating service like Dr HVAC, Inc to learn more about them and to get a quote for both options. With a quote in hand, it is often easier to make this decision.

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