Types Of Heating Systems | Home Heating Systems

As the winter chill brings frigid temperatures every single year, you depend on your heating system to perform. However, when it comes to keeping your family warm and comfortable, you have a few different heating units to choose from.

As all heating systems have their own set of pros and cons, choosing the right option for your home can be difficult. In this post, we’ll discuss the wide variety of heating systems on the market today, including why you may choose one over the other.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are dependable, efficient heating systems that can effectively keep your home comfortable. But one key feature of these systems is that they can provide both cooling and heating power. Not only can they keep the indoor temps low in the summer months, but they can also heat your home during the winter. 

During the summer, a heat pump works by removing heat from the indoors and pumping it outside. In the winter, the process is reversed; the system pulls heat from the outdoors and moves it throughout the home. Almost all heat pumps are forced-air systems.

Today, there are two common types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. Air-source heat pumps work by removing hot indoor air during the summer, then pumping in warm air during the winter. Ground-source heat pumps, also called geothermal heat pumps, absorb heat from underground. This is where the temperature remains relatively constant all year long. Due to the price and ease of install, many homeowners choose an air-source heat pump. However, ground-source heat pumps are the most efficient option.

Given how these systems can provide both cooling and heating power, they have the flexibility you can depend on.

Furnace

When looking at the different types of heating system options, a furnace is definitely the most popular in the United States. If you want top-notch heating power, a furnace may be the right system for you. To move heat throughout a space, a furnace works by pushing heated air through ducts within your home. The power needed for this distribution either comes from electricity, natural gas, or fuel oil.

When using an oil- or gas-fired furnace, the fuel is burned to create heated air. The flames in the system heat up something called a metal heat exchanger, which helps to transform the heat into air. From there, a furnace fan blows the warm air throughout your home.

The typical furnace is controlled by a single thermostat. This is where the user regulates the temperature of the home, which turns on and off the furnace. Today, with recent advancements in furnace technology, furnace heating systems are more efficient than ever before.

Another furnace option is called a hot water furnace, which uses heat generated by heated water. If you’re searching for top-notch heating power for those ice-cold winters, utilizing a furnace is a top consideration you should make.

Boilers

Boilers are efficient heating systems that have been around for several years. This hot water heating system works by distributing heat through hot water. This water then passes through radiators that create warm air. Once the water is used, the cooled water then travels back to the boiler system to be reused. Given this process, this hot water heating system is considered one of the most efficient types of system options.

A boiler heating system gets its fuel from heating oil or natural gas. However, while some people use steam boilers, they are far less common today. These heating systems work by creating steam, then moving that hot air throughout the home.

As a furnace uses a duct system, a boiler heating system utilizes a pump that moves hot water from pipes to radiators. When it comes to controlling the system, there are thermostats, aquastats, and valves. These components all help to regulate water temperature and circulation.

Similar to a furnace, condensing gas-fired boilers are also common. These systems are actually more efficient compared to non-condensing boilers. Oil-fired condensing boilers are far less common in the U.S., generally because they don’t provide the same level of heating power.

Direct Heat

There are several different heating systems out there that apply direct heat without the use of ducts. Here are some of the common options to consider:

Electric Space Heaters

If you only want to heat a small room or need a little extra heating power via direct heat, an electric space heater could be a great option. Not only are they affordable and compact, but they can also provide a surprising level of heating power. Similar to a toaster, electric space heaters use electricity from a wall socket to produce their energy. However, since these units need a lot of electricity to effectively heat a space, they aren’t the most efficient. As this puts a substantial load on your electrical system, you might even trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse. Furthermore, if you constantly run an electrical space heater in your home, that could really drive up those energy bills.

If you would only use your space heater occasionally or won’t be living somewhere for a long period, this heating system could be an ideal option. But since these units aren’t energy-efficient, experts don’t advise using them as your leading heating method. Since electric resistance is typically the most expensive form of heat, it’s rarely recommended by professionals.

Gas-Fired Space Heaters

Another space heater option is a gas-fired space heater. These heating systems are very popular in some areas. These units are either wall-mounted, free-standing, or located on the floor. While these systems don’t create the same heating power as a furnace or heat pump, their ductless feature is a top advantage. Since no ducts are used, a gas-fired space heater is ideal for heating up a single room.

Some of the more improved gas-fired space heaters use “sealed combustion air” systems, which have pipes installed through the wall. This not only provides combustion air for the system, but also allows the unit to expel combustion products. This limits fire danger in your home and keeps your family safe.

If you’re only looking to heat a bedroom or small area, a gas-fired space heater is an excellent option. These units provide amazing performance in a short amount of time, and they’re also relatively inexpensive. When it comes to a fuel source, gas-fired space heaters use natural gas, propane, or even kerosene.

Unvented Gas-Fired Heaters

Like the name suggests, an unvented gas-fired heater doesn’t have any exhaust vents. While these systems can provide adequate heating power to a space, they can be dangerous to your health and safety. Unvented gas-fired heaters are either wall-mounted, free-standing, or open-flame gas fireplaces with ceramic logs. However, these logs aren’t connected to a chimney.

According to the manufactures of these products, they’re safe to use thanks to the combustion efficiency of the system. However, this is only true if you open up a window near the unit, but that defeats the purpose of supplemental heat.

Wood-Burning and Pellet Stoves

Wood burning is an effective way to heat your home, especially in rural areas where wood can be in abundance. But even if you purchase wood, it’s generally more affordable than oil, gas, or electricity. If you can obtain wood for free, your savings can be substantial. However, as wood burning can cause some pollution issues, clean-burning systems are encouraged. In fact, the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enforced regulations regarding the pollution emissions from wood stoves. Today, the majority of wood-burning systems are clean-burning, which is better for the environment. 

Another wood-burning alternative is a pellet stove. Not only can these systems provide high-quality heating power, but they’re also better for the planet. Additionally, pellet stoves offer more convenience, including the ability to control the temperature and indoor air quality.

Fireplace

A wood fireplace may just be the oldest type of heating system out there. Not only can they work effectively at heating an entire home, but they also fit perfectly with your decor. In fact, some fireplaces are the focal point of an entire residence. When it comes to fireplaces, there are wood and gas models. 

Compared to a furnace or heat pump, a fireplace won’t produce the same amount of heating power. In a typical installation where air is drawn from the room into the fireplace, the fireplace will usually lose more heat than it produces. This is because a large amount of warm air is pulled through the system, which must be replaced with the cool outside air. However, when high-quality fireplace products are installed correctly, the unit can be very effective. These system components include a sealed glass door and chimney damper. Also, a good source of outside air is also important.

Advanced Heating Systems

While a fireplace has been around for hundreds of thousands of years, some heating systems have been invented in just the past decade alone. As technology has come a very long way, we now have home heating systems that have tons of incredible capabilities.

Take a look at the following advanced heating systems available today:

Ductless, Mini-Split, and Multi-Split

While people in the United States find it common to have a duct air conditioner or heating system, that isn’t the case in other parts of the world. In fact, residential ductwork is pretty rare in other countries. Outside of the U.S., ductless systems are far more common. More specifically, ductless heat pumps are the most popular option. These systems move energy through refrigerant lines instead of using air or water.

Ductless systems are widely used in mild to cold weather locations, such as the Pacific Northwest or Midwest. However, residents utilize these home heating systems across the country. Not only can these systems provide effective heating power, but they’re also much more efficient than units that use electricity.

If you live in a small home or only need minor temperature adjustments throughout the year, then a ductless system could be the right option for you. While a gas heating system can produce a lot of heating power, it may be a waste of energy in your case. A mini-split system can still provide dependable comfort without spending thousands.

Radiant Floor Heating

Another advanced heating method involves the use of radiant floor heating. The system provides warm air by circulating hot water in tubes located in the floor. As the floor is heated, this offers heated comfort for your entire family. Even if you’re sitting down, the heated floors will still heat your home.

One of the top reasons why homeowners love these systems is that they can be controlled with ease. In fact, a simple adjustment changes the indoor temperatures within just minutes. Another great quality of these home heating systems is that they’re more efficient compared to some alternatives. This can help to keep your utility bills low. 

One downside of radiant floor heating systems is that they’re pretty expensive to install. Given how your floors will need to be ripped up for tubes to be installed, this can drive up the installation price. Furthermore, since this process can take a great deal of time, labor costs are also high. 

These heating systems also require an experienced installer and designer. Since your floors will be heated, you’ll be limited with your flooring options. You’ll need to work with an experienced professional that can find the perfect floors that won’t become damaged.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

This is an up-and-coming heating system technology that is currently being studied. The idea is that a small generator will meet the electrical demands of the house, while the wasted heat will be used to heat up the home. These units will come in the form of a hydronic or water-to-air system. Not only does this heat the entire house, but it can also heat up your water. Due to this flexibility, these systems could be very popular in the near future.

Now that you know the various heating systems on the market today, you can now choose the perfect comfort solution for your residence!