Heat

Chicago winters can be long, rough, and extremely cold. There are three principal forms of heating: natural gas, oil and electricity. While natural gas is most common in Chicago, some older homes and apartments still have radiant (radiator or oil) or electrical heat. Each type has its advantages, when you consider installation, maintenance and fuel costs. Other factors to consider include cleanliness and noise generated by the heating system.

In Chicago, Peoples Energy is the only supplier of natural gas and, as mentioned previously, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) the sole provider of electricity.

The heating requirements of your space can depend on several factors, including:

• Weather
• Age
• Size and layout of the space
• Insulation levels and air-tightness
• Amount of solar energy harnessed through windows
• Amount of heat given off by lights and appliances
• Thermostat setting
  
• Other operational factors.

All of these components together determine how much heat (or air conditioning) you need.

If you lease a space, find out what type of heating system is in the building, and its annual cost. It is desirable to have a thermostat in your space so that you can control the temperature. It's also helpful if your space has a meter, so that you only pay for the service you use. Ask the landlord if you will be charged for heating and, if so, how those charges will be determined.

If you are buying a space and want to change or upgrade the heating system, consider which type of heating would best suit the building and your use. Ask yourself:

• Is the current system still suitable for the space?
  
• Does it need to be repaired or updated? If so, what would it cost?
  
• Should you convert to another type of distribution system? If so, what would be the cost and advantage/disadvantage?
  
• What sorts of activities will be taking place in the space? For example, if you need to run a natural gas-operated kiln, a heating system that utilizes natural gas might be most practical.
  

If possible, hire an expert to inspect your new space and thoroughly assess the heating system. Converting the existing heating system to another type might make the most sense, but this can be a costly investment. Consider whether this conversion will provide future savings on your heating costs, and determine how long it will take to see a return on your investment. Many options are available to you, and once the system is converted you will not have to do it again.

The most common heat systems include:

• Electric Baseboard Heaters: Easy to install, low-maintenance, and equipped with individual controls that let you turn off the heat in empty rooms and save energy and money. However, operating costs are very high.
  
  
• Forced Air Systems: Driven by a central oil, electric or gas furnace that warms up the air and distributes it into the space through ducts. Costs the least to install, but is not the cheapest to operate. These are also known as central heating and air or HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Can be expensive to install in older buildings, if you have to put in the necessary ductwork.
  
  
• Hot Water Boilers/Radiant Heat: Steam heat is circulated through pipes to radiators that literally "radiate" heat through the room. The water is heated either by gas or oil. Hot water heating is the most efficient system to operate, and the most comfortable, but is costly and does not convert for air conditioning use as gas furnaces can. In addition, this system can be expensive to incorporate into the property if the pipes are not already installed.
  

All heat distribution systems have advantages and disadvantages, including cost and efficiency levels. Only a professional should make the final recommendation as to which system will best suit a particular space and your needs and activities. Consult an HVAC specialist, general contractor or architect.

Mixed-Use Space
When establishing accounts for natural gas (Peoples) and electricity (ComEd) for mixed-use spaces, the types of accounts you receive will be based on your primary use of the space. If you have a live/work space in a commercial property/storefront, the service provider will have to evaluate the property in person to determine how the space is primarily used.

If your use is determined to be mainly commercial, then expect a business account. If it is deemed to be primarily for residential purposes, then you will normally be able to obtain a residential account.