The Most Popular Types of Home Heating Systems

There are a number of possible heating and cooling systems for a home. Whether they blow hot air through ductwork or pipe hot water through your floor, they all have the same goal: to control the climate of your home and make it comfortable. Another thing they have in common is that all types of home heating systems come with advantages and disadvantages. Here, we’ll review the most popular types of home heating systems, how they work, and their pros and cons.

Forced Air
How does it work? Air is heated in a furnace using natural gas, propane, oil or electricity and distributed through ductwork and into rooms through registers.
Pros:

• Can be used for cooling
• Air can be filtered, humidified, or dehumidified
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Takes up space in the walls
• Furnace fan is audible
• Can distribute allergens
• Requires filtration and regular maintenance

Anything else? This is the most popular of all heating and cooling systems and is also known as central heating. About 65.9% of all occupied homes use forced air. It can reduce the risk of heat rashes and heat stroke and improve the quality of air in a space.

Radiant Heating
How does it work? Tubing is embedded in the floor that contains hot water. Radiant panels are also used in ceilings. Heating stoves are also considered radiant heat sources.
Pros:

• Provides comfortable, even heat
• Boilers can be energy efficient

Cons:

• Slow to warm up
• Expensive to install
• Difficult to maintain
• Air conditioning requires a separate system

Anything else? Only 22.7% of homes in the U.S. use room specific air conditioning units, but with these types of home heating systems, it’s a reasonable option.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling
How does it work? The heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water is used to pump heat into a home, basically like a reverse refrigerator.
Pros:

• Conserve energy
• Saves 30 to 70% on heating and 20 to 50% on cooling
• Eco friendly

Cons:

• Rather expensive
• Can be difficult to maintain

Anything else? These are the newest types of home heating systems and aren’t extremely popular yet. However, many local utility companies offer incentives for those who invest in them.

There are many types of home heating systems, and each requires maintenance and care by professionals to avoid severe damage and costly repairs. If you’re interested in installing a new system or maintaining your old one, call a professional.