How to Choose a Home Heating System That’s Right for You
The chances are high that most homeowners never think twice about their home heating system. Most homeowners buy a house with a home heating system already installed, and so long as it works, they never give the system a second thought, as most heating systems last at least 10-15 years. However, it would behoove homeowners to understand the different types of home heating systems to decide if the one they have should be replaced or kept as is. If you are building a new home or upgrading an existing home, then you can decide what type of heating system your house will use, so it is important you understand the pros and cons of each heating system option.
Central Heating Systems
A central home heating system pumps heat to a house through a network of ducts or pipes connected to a central heat source. The central heat source, furnace, boiler, or heat pump is usually kept in accessible but hidden areas such as the attic, basement, or garage. Duct-based central heating systems take up the most room of any heating system option and if your house does not already have a network of ducts, they will need to be installed which can be expensive. There are three different types of central heating with each type named for the central heating source: furnace, boiler, and heat pump.
Furnace
Furnaces use gas, fuel oil, or electricity to heat air and distribute it across a house through a network of ducts and vents. Furnace heating systems are known for their long lifespan, high efficiency, affordability, and quiet operating noise.
- Gas furnaces are the most common and cost-effective residential furnace.
- Oil furnaces are used in specific cold environments like the northeastern United States.
- Electric furnaces are an inexpensive small option for homes without a gas connection.
There is a specialty and more expensive version of a gas furnace called a modulating furnace that adjusts the amount of gas being burned to hit a set temperature. Modulating furnaces continually turn on and off to maintain the target temperature, so the furnace doesn’t waste energy making them the most energy-efficient furnace.
Boiler
Boilers are water heaters that pump hot water through radiators installed around your house to warm the environment. The water cools as it cycles through your house before returning to the boiler to be reheated and pumped out again. Most residential boilers are powered by gas or a comparable natural fuel.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps are two-way air conditioners which means they are fully reversible to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Air-based heat pumps are installed like any central air conditioner and use the air from the environment to keep your house cool or warm. Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, use hollow coils buried in deep trenches to draw in heat and disperse it throughout your house. Ground source heat pumps are expensive to install largely because of the physical labor required.
Ductless Heat Systems
A ductless heating system, as the name implies, does not require a network of ducts to deliver heat throughout a home. Ductless systems are less expensive than duct systems, but ductless systems are stand-alone units meaning you must install units strategically around your house to ensure the whole house receives heat. There are three common types of ductless heating systems: mini split heat pumps, window units, and standing air conditioner with heat.
Mini Split Heat Pumps
Mini split pumps are a two-part system consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor. The indoor unit is generally not large enough to heat an entire house, but it would likely be sufficient for a small apartment or a single room of a house.
Window AC Units With Heat
Window mounted AC units are a common sight and there are multiple models of window AC units that also produce heat. Window units are easy to install, inexpensive, and energy-efficient making them a solid choice, but like mini split pumps, a single window unit is unlikely to heat an entire house by itself.
Portable Standing AC With Heat
Portable standing AC units with heat are essentially window AC units with heat that you can place and move anywhere. These heaters are ideal for small spaces or if you need to move your heater to different rooms.
Direct Heat Systems
Direct heat systems generally consist of either gas or electric space heaters. Space heaters are small portable heaters ideal for small spaces. Gas-fired space heaters use propane, natural gas, or kerosene as fuel while electric space heaters rely on electricity to generate heat. Space heaters are inexpensive, easy to find, and simple to set up.
There are many different home heating systems a homeowner can choose from. The ideal heating system for your house greatly depends on your budget and house configuration. Inexpensive and easy to install heaters can also be a suitable temporary solution while a permanent system is being installed. Consider the pros and cons of each system, and talk with a professional consultant to determine potential construction costs.
