Types Of Heating Systems

Furnaces

Furnaces can be powered by natural gas, fuel oil, or electricity. Most simply, furnaces mix fuel with air and then force warm air through your home’s ductwork. They can work through convection, where warm air rises and cooler air sinks, or by forced air, where the system relies on a fan to push air through the ducts. Furnaces are the most commonly used heating system in North America.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump consists of indoor coils, outdoor coils, a compressor, and a thermostat. Imagine a two-way air conditioner: in the summer, the heat pump takes warm air from indoors and moves it outdoors; in the winter, the heat pump moves warm air indoors and cooler air outdoors. There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source.

Air-source heat pumps draw energy from the ambient air, whereas ground-source heat pumps extract energy from underground coils. While both are energy-efficient, air-source heat pumps are more economical in the long run. A heat pump may not be the most practical choice for your home if you live in an extremely cold environment. These systems work best in moderate climates, like in Maryland.

Boilers

Just like furnaces heat air, boilers heat water. The hot water provides heat as it travels throughout the radiators in your home. Boilers can be very good at maintaining different heating levels in different rooms using zone controls. While gas-fired boilers are still common, steam-powered boilers are no longer widely used in North America.

Stoves and Fireplaces

Stoves can run on wood or pellets, and they are quite effective for heating. Wood stoves can be more economical, particularly for those who chop and store their own wood. Pellet stoves, on the other hand, tend to offer greater temperature control and better air quality.

Modern-day gas, electric, and wood fireplaces offer more of a cosmetic benefit than an actual heating benefit for your home. Interestingly enough, the typical fireplace will actually cause your home to lose more heat than it provides! If you have a fireplace and want to ensure it contributes to the warmth of your home this winter, be sure to have a tightly sealed fireplace door, an effective damper, and a source of outside air.

Space Heaters

You’re probably familiar with electric space heaters. You plug them in, and they provide warmth to a small space. While they can be effective, electric space heaters are the least cost-effective way to heat your home.

These heaters consume an excessive amount of power, so they’re best suited for intermittent use only. Gas-fired space heaters exist, too. They don’t require ductwork, making them best suited for heating single rooms. If you’re considering a gas-fired space heater, be sure to choose a vented model. Though unvented gas-fired space heaters are widely available, they’re banned for home use in five states due to associated hazards.

Ductless Heat

Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems, are more commonly found outside of North America. These ductless systems consist of an interior wall unit and an exterior compressor. Mini-split systems are energy-efficient, durable, quiet, use minimal space, and can be installed without compromising a room's aesthetic.

With a ductless system, it’s easier to maintain varying temperatures throughout your home, too. For example, if a family member in the living room prefers cooler temperatures, other family members elsewhere in the home can still be comfortable since the temperature can be controlled by room. Ductless systems aren’t without their cons; they can be very expensive to install, and they do require regular maintenance. A mini-split system is an ideal solution if you need to add heating or air conditioning to a ductless home. They’re also great for adding climate control to new additions, such as garages.

Radiant Floor Heat

Imagine a series of pipes carrying warm water beneath your floors, and you essentially have radiant floor heat. No more stepping onto a freezing floor in the dead of winter! Instead, your floors will be delightfully warm, which will help keep your body warm. This heating method works best on stone or concrete floors. Though efficient once installed, it can be difficult to find a designer and installer with the level of expertise needed to complete the job.

System Type

Average Cost

Average Lifespan

Pros

Cons

Furnaces

$3,000-$10,000

15-30 years

• Fast heating

• Cheaper fuel options 

• Uses existing ductwork 

• Noisy 

• Ducts may spread dust/allergens

• Difficult to integrate zoned control 

• Slight risk of carbon monoxide

Heat Pumps

$4,000-$25,000

10-15 years

• Provides heating and cooling

• Very efficient

• Lower energy costs

• Improved safety

• Reduced efficiency in extreme temperatures

• May need backup heat in freezing weather

• Air from vents is cooler than furnace-provided heat 

Boilers

$4,000-$10,000

15-20 years

• Provides steady, even heat

• Quiet operation

• No blown air is better for allergies

• Often more efficient than forced air, potentially lowering heating bills

• Higher installation costs

• No cooling features

• Slower to respond to thermostat changes

• Potential for water leaks/freezing issues

Stoves/Fireplaces

$2,300-$10,000

10-20 years

• Cozy ambiance

• Can operate during a power outage (wood/pellet units)

• Cheaper fuel option

• Does not provide whole-house heat

• Extensive maintenance

• Requires work (hauling fuel, tending fire)

• Fire hazard if not maintained

• Very low efficiency 

Space Heaters

$30-$300

5-10 years

• Low initial cost

• Portable

• Good for heating a small area

• Expensive to run long-term

• Not effective for full-home heating

• Significant fire and burn risks

Ductless Heat

$2,000-$17,000

10-20 years

• High efficiency, potentially lowering heating bills

• Zone control capabilities

• Easier to install than adding ductwork

• Higher installation costs

• Wall-mounted indoor units can be visually unappealing to some

• Must be sized/placed correctly to avoid coverage and short-cycling issues 

Radiant Floor Heating

$12,000-$48,000

30-40 years

• Toasty floors

• Silent

• No visible equipment

• No ductwork

• Very high installation costs

• Slower response times

• Difficult to access for repairs