Research Topic

         The topic I decided to research and write about is why gas heat is the overall best and most efficient type of heating available for the Northeast Region of the United States. The issue of 'which heat is the best' has been discussed by tradesmen in the HVAC industry for many years and working in a supply house that sells many different heating units kept me wondering which really is the best and most efficient heating available. Heating is something that has always interested me since the first time I watched someone open an electric furnace, and now that it has become my major, I want to learn more about it. Learning more about gas heat as well as all the other types of heating will not only help me understand simply the pros and cons of each, but will also give me the knowledge I need to make a good recommendation as to what type of heating to customers and home builders.

            My current knowledge of heating in general is certainly above average for a first semester HVAC major since I’ve been exposed to it a significant amount through work. Since we deal mostly with gas furnaces and electric heating units, I know generally how each works and I also have a very small amount of knowledge as to the prices and efficiency ratings of both. But there’s still a lot to learn and that’s why I chose this topic. After a fair amount of research, I hope to know the cost, efficiency, and installation comparison of gas heat to other forms of heat, as well as a little more about our specific geographical area and how that makes gas heat the best option. After doing more research, I hope that people such as new home builders, heating systems salesmen, and even installation tradesmen and technicians will have the opportunity to read about the research I have found and what I have learned. I also hope to learn enough that what I post can be of some resourcefulness to these people as well as any others that express interest.