All heating systems keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but there are multiple options to choose from. Each type of heating system has advantages and limitations, and some may be better for certain homes and regions than others.

We at the This Old House Reviews Team have compared seven common heating system types to help you determine the best one for your home.

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1. Furnace

Furnaces are one of the most common types of heating systems in the United States. A forced-air furnace heats the home by burning fuel—natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity—to heat a metal heat exchanger. The heat transfers to the surrounding air, and a fan blows the heated air throughout the home via ducts and vents.

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2. Boiler

Traditional boilers, radiators, and baseboard heaters are radiant or hydronic heating systems. They heat water in a central boiler using natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or electricity. The heated water or steam goes through a network of pipes to radiators or baseboard heaters throughout the house. When the water within the radiator heats up, the air heats up through a process called convection. The hot air circulates through the room by displacing cold air. 

When heat leaves the water, it returns to the boiler again. This continues until your home reaches the desired temperature.

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3. Heat Pump

There are three main heat pump types: air-to-air, water source, and geothermal. Heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to collect heat from the air, water, or ground (depending on the type) and deliver it to your home. Heat pumps work in reverse in summer by transferring the home’s heat out.

In cold months, the heat pump collects air from outdoors and blows or pumps it over a heat exchange surface, causing a refrigerant liquid to evaporate. This gas moves to a compressor, which increases the pressure and causes its temperature to rise. The heated gas is then passed over the internal heat exchanger’s surface. A fan pushes heat either directly into the room from the indoor unit or through the ductwork to warm the house.

Heat pumps work with ductwork or as a mini-split, ductless system. While some heat pumps operate independently, others may require a supplemental heating system in colder climates.

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4. In-Floor Radiant Heating

In-floor radiant heating systems—both electric and hydronic—use thermal radiation and electromagnetic waves to heat your home. Electric wires or water-filled tubes are installed underneath the flooring and warm a room by directly heating the floor instead of the air. Hydronic in-floor heating uses a boiler system and a variety of fuel sources, such as natural gas, oil, wood, solar, or some type of combination.

This effect is called radiant heat transfer, the same thing you feel when heating your hands over a warm oven or going outside to feel warm sun on your skin.

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5. Wood Heating

If you enjoy collecting and stacking your own wood, consider wood burning for house heat. This is done with an outdoor wood furnace or boiler, a wood stove or pellet stove, or a masonry heater. Wood is generally cheaper than other fuel sources, and you can save even more by cutting your own firewood. 

Due to the pollutants associated with wood burning, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented regulations to limit smoke emissions from wood-burning room heaters. As a result, improved wood heater technology is now available. For example, pellet stoves use compressed pellets, made from wood or other organic material, for fuel and are typically clean-burning and more efficient than wood stoves.

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6. Active Solar Heating

Active solar heating uses solar energy to heat liquid or air, then transfers solar heat directly inside the home or to storage for later use. If solar energy isn’t enough to heat the home, a backup home heating system provides additional help. Liquid systems are often used when there’s a solar heating storage system. However, both liquid and air active solar heating systems can supplement forced-air systems.

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7. Hybrid Heating

A hybrid heating system combines an electric heat pump with a gas-powered furnace. This combination maximizes energy savings and system performance. The heat pump heats the home when outdoor temperatures are moderate. You can program your thermostat to automatically switch over to the gas furnace when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

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How To Maintain Your Heating System

Most issues that can affect your heating system aren’t noticed until it’s too late—and always at the worst time. Preventive maintenance allows you to deal with potential problems before they become larger issues.

Maintenance requirements vary depending on your home’s heating system type. Forced-air systems have filters that need replacement at least twice a year to ensure the system runs efficiently. Luckily, this is an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) job for most homeowners. Most heating systems should be annually inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a professional. A licensed HVAC technician should check your heating system in the fall and air conditioner in the spring.

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Our Conclusion

A heating system is a big investment and one you’ll be living with for the next 25 years. It’s important to compare different types of heating systems to see which best meets your needs and is most compatible with your home. You may want to consider consulting an HVAC professional for more information on each system.

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FAQ About Types of Heating Systems

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