Due to my job, I’ve moved around a lot.
I typically stay in one location for about twelve to eighteen months before my work requires relocation.
Because of my transient lifestyle, I’ve accumulated very few large possessions. While it can be difficult to settle into an area where I don’t know anyone and am unfamiliar with the amenities and challenges, I like experiencing new locations. It’s allowed me to rent all different types of homes. I’ve stayed in tiny bungalows and cottages as well as large duplexes, condos and Victorian homes. I’ve lived in the heart of the city as well as the suburbs. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of heating and cooling systems available. My job keeps me mainly in the northern half of the country, where heating is a necessity and central cooling is certainly preferred. While forced air furnaces are probably the most popular choice, this type of system isn’t my favorite. I don’t like the noise and influx of contaminants associated with ductwork. There’s the potential for extreme energy losses and the hot air tends to flow from the vents and rise straight up to the ceiling. Furnaces also cause issues with overly dry air. I really like the idea of a heat pump, because a single unit combines both heating and cooling capacity. The system runs on electricity, avoids the downsides of the combustion process and provides especially quiet, clean and energy efficient comfort. Unfortunately, heat pumps struggle to keep up with comfort once the outside temperature drops below freezing. If I ever move further south, I’ll look for a home outfitted with a heat pump. For the demands of the north, I think a boiler heating system is the best option. Although a boiler doesn’t provide any cooling option, the level of winter comfort is unmatched.