What Type of Home Heating System Is Best?

As a homeowner, you know that there are a lot of things to think about when it comes to keeping your home safe and comfortable throughout the winter. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is what type of home heating system to install. Here, Hans Heating and Air will take a look at the different types of home heating systems so that you can make an informed decision.

Furnaces

Forced air furnaces generate heat, add heat to the air, and then circulate warm air throughout the house using a system of ducts. The air is heated using either natural gas, liquid propane, oil, or electricity, and a fan helps to circulate the air in this central heating system.

Furnace Pros:

• Gas furnace systems tend to be very reliable, providing consistent heat even on the coldest days.
• Of the different types of home heating systems, central furnace systems are the most common, so it’s much easier to get replacement parts and find a skilled technician to perform repairs.
• Forced air furnaces are typically affordable to install.

Furnace Cons:

• Duct leaks can lead to heating loss as warm air travels from the furnace to the living space.
• Natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces burn fuel to generate heat, so they aren’t the most environmentally friendly choice.
• Gas furnaces aren’t 100% energy efficient, so some waste is generated during the heating process.

Furnaces are a common home heating system in colder climates as they generate rapid heating. They can easily be installed in new construction homes as well as homes with existing ductwork.

Boilers

Boilers use water instead of air to produce heat, and they are a type of energy-efficient heating system that can be powered by natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. The water is heated and then either hot water or steam is circulated through a system of pipes to radiators throughout the house.

Boiler Pros:

• Because boilers don’t rely on air movement to circulate heat, they’re very quiet.
• As heat is distributed evenly through radiators instead of coming from one central heating system unit, boiler systems offer more consistent indoor temperatures.

Boiler Cons:

• Boilers can be more expensive to install than different types of home heating systems, such as furnaces.
• Radiators take up room in living spaces throughout the house.
• Due to uneven and slow heat distribution from radiators, heat doesn’t always reach all sides of a room.

Boilers are easily installed as replacement systems in homes with radiators and water pipes, allowing homeowners to avoid additional installation work and costs. Boilers are another ideal heating system choice for homes in areas with frigid winters.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a type of energy-efficient heating system that uses electricity and refrigerant to transfer heat from one location to another, using ducts. In the winter, air-source heat pumps can be used to draw heat from an outdoor unit and transfer it into your home. A geothermal heat pump uses the heat from the ground to regulate the temperature inside the home.

Heat Pump Pros:

• The process is reversed in the summer, allowing the heat pump to function as an air conditioner.
• Heat pumps have an extremely efficient heating process compared to the other different types of home heating systems and they do not waste fuel as they run.
• Their energy efficiency can save you money on your energy bill compared to the use of fuel-burning heaters.

Heat Pump Cons:

• Depending on the type of unit, a heat pump is a less effective type of heating system in extremely cold weather compared to furnaces and boilers.
• Because they are a forced air system, energy can be lost through duct leaks during distribution.
• Standard heat pumps are best for heating homes in areas with milder winters. They require ducts, so installation is ideal in new construction homes and homes with existing ductwork infrastructure.

Explore Different Types of Home Heating Systems

Which of the different types of home heating systems is the best heating system for your home? The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, including your climate, budget, and preferences. We’ve explored the pros and cons of each of the different types of home heating systems in this post, but we’re always happy to share more information! If you’re still not sure which system is right for you or if you need help installing a new heating system in your home, call Hans Heating & Air today. Our experts are happy to assist you with all your heating needs!