5 Types of Heating Systems (and How to Choose Between Them)

Homeowners implement a large variety of heating systems in their houses. Your location, type of house, and general preference can all be a factor in which heating systems you choose.

While the diverse options are great to have, they can make it difficult to choose.

Are you struggling to decide on a heating system for your home? Don’t fret; keep reading for five types of heating systems and how to choose one.

1. Boiler Heating Systems

The first type of heating system is a boiler heating system. This system involves hot water passing through radiators around the house to give off heat.

Also known as a hydronic heating system, this method uses gas or oil for fuel.

This is one of many examples of central heating. Central heating is great for homes that are in colder climates, as it evenly distributes heat throughout the entire house.

Boiler heating systems are also cheaper to run than heating systems that use forced air. While the long-term cost is cheaper, the system itself costs more money because of all the pipes it requires.

2. Furnaces

The majority of homes in the United States use a furnace heating system. This system uses flames to transfer heat to the air and sends it throughout your home through ductwork and vents.

Furnaces also use oil or gas as fuel. Most furnaces are controlled by a single thermostat.

Furnaces are fairly cheap to run and install, making them great for long winters. They heat the house evenly because the vents are distributed strategically around the house.

Some people who use furnaces complain that they’re noisy. They’re also less fuel-efficient than other heating systems.

3. Heat Pumps

A heat pump system is like a reverse air conditioner. It uses electricity to take cold air from outside and make it warm.

Heat pump systems are another type of central heating. They deliver the heat evenly throughout your home.

These systems are more efficient than using oil or gas. However, because it uses electricity, it costs more to run.

4. Direct Heat

Direct heating systems typically put out a small amount of heat. They don’t normally transfer heat through ductwork, instead, they produce and radiate heat from one location.

Examples of direct heating are gas and electric space heaters, wood or pellet stoves, and fireplaces. The best part about direct heating is that the systems themselves are usually inexpensive to install.

One downside to direct heat is that it only heats the surrounding area. They take up more of your living space, but can’t be used to cool air in the summer.

5. Radiant Floor Heat

In-floor heating systems are the last option. They use tubes under the floor to circulate hot water.

These tubes can be in a single room or throughout the whole house. The heat radiates up from the floor to warm the air around the room or house.

This way of heating your home is environmentally conscious. It’s also easy to use with solar hot water systems.

The downside to radiant floor heat is that it’s an expensive system to install and repair. They also may not be compatible with the floors you already have in your home.

Take the Heat

Now you know the different types of heating systems and the pros and cons of each. Now it’s time to choose which system is best for your home.

Give us a call or send us an email for your heating installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Davison Heating & Cooling is happy to help with all of your heating needs.