Home Heating Systems: Which One Is Right For You?

Home Heating Systems

It used to be that homeowners expected only one thing from their home heating systems, a comfortably warm house controlled by a thermostat dial located on the wall. However, as energy prices increase and educated homeowners become more aware of their home's environmental impact, the demand has increased for home heating systems that are energy efficient, cost effective, and available with the latest convenient options, like indoor humidity controls and programmable digital thermostats for separate heating zones in the house. These consumer demands have resulted in many new types of heating equipment and an increased effort by the HVAC industry to create not only better heating products, but better system designs as well.

When choosing a home heating system, you have many heating equipment options to choose from. One option is a forced-air system that distributes furnace supplied heat throughout your home using a network of ducts and vents. Another option is an in-floor system that heats the air in your home using a boiler and hot water pipes, which are installed under your finished flooring. Whatever heating equipment you choose, it most likely operates by using natural gas, propane, or electricity. The type and availability of your fuel source may dictate what type of heating system you can use in your house. When choosing a home heating system, it is also important to work with a qualified HVAC contractor that can design the right heat system for your home and your climate.