What types of residential heating systems are available?
If you are looking to upgrade the heating system in your home, you have a few different options available. Before settling on one system, it helps to know the pros and cons and details of each type of heating element. Here are some different types of residential heating systems to consider.
Forced Heating and Air
One of the more common types of heating for all rooms of your home is to use a forced air system. This provides both heat and air conditioning through vents and ducts in your home. Multiple sources of heat can be used in conjunction with a forced air heating system, including propane, electricity, oil, and gas. Some benefits include the fact that it is combined with air conditioning, provides even heating, and provides filtered air. On the other hand, it can be expensive having it installed if you don't already have ductwork, and moving air might release allergens into the home.
Natural Gas
You can also choose to have a heating system that only uses natural gas. There are some different types of natural gas heating systems, including water-based heating systems, space heaters, and combination units. These are in addition to the forced air system. With the water-based system, it uses a gas boiler that makes hot steam to go through pipes in your home. This is how the rooms are heated. Space heaters are placed in individual rooms where you want to have heat.
Electric Heat
You also have multiple options if you want to get electric heat throughout your home. You can choose systems that heat your entire home at once or with zone heating systems, such as baseboard heaters or portable heaters. Furnaces allow you to get heat in different rooms of your home at the same time and also incorporate electric heat. Furnace electric heating systems can also be combined with air conditioning systems if you want both in a single system.
Wood Stove
Many homes have wood stoves, which provide a low-budget way of heating up your home. Not only is it an affordable and efficient option, but the wood stove can also add to the overall ambiance of your home. It is ideal in country and rustic-style homes, though anyone can have a wood stove. Look for a wood stove that allows for air to be circulated throughout the home. If you have a larger home, keep in mind that the wood stove will only heat up the rooms nearest to the stove.
Heat Pump
Your last option is to use a heat pump. This provides a more eco-friendly option to heating your home without using a furnace. Some different heating systems incorporate heating pumps, such as the geothermal heating system or baseboard heating system. While there are different types of heat pumps, the air-source pump is the most common.
For more information about these various heating and options and which would meet your needs, contact a local heating company.
