Types Of Heating Systems

December 17, 2023

When it comes to selecting a heating system for your home, you have many options, and there are pros and cons for each. Since we have extensive expertise in installing, repairing, and maintaining heating systems for all properties, our customers often have questions about the options available. If you’ve ever been curious about the various types of heating systems available or what type of system would be best for your home, this post is for you! Read on to learn more.

Central Heating

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.

Pros

• Heats home quickly

• Operation costs are lower when gas fuel is cheaper in many areas

• Uses existing ductwork

• Easily integrates with existing AC

• Average lifespan of 15-30 years 

Cons

• Can be noisy

• Ducts may spread dust/allergens if not maintained

• Difficult to integrate zoned control (more than one thermostat)

• Slight risk of carbon monoxide if not properly vented and maintained

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.

Pros

• Dual purpose, providing both heating and cooling in one system

• Very efficient in moderate climates, potentially lowering energy costs

• No on-site combustion for improved safety

• Decent system lifespan, with an average of 10-15 years

Cons

• Reduced efficiency in extreme temperatures

• May need backup heat in freezing weather

• Air from vents is cooler than furnace-provided heat 

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.

Pros

• Provides steady, even heat

• Quiet operation

• No blown air is better for allergies

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

• Average lifespan of 15-20 years 

Cons

• Higher installation costs

• No cooling features

• Slower to respond to thermostat changes

• Potential for water leaks/freezing issues

Direct Heating

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.

Pros

• Cozy ambiance

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

• Cheaper fuel option

• Average lifespan of 10-20 years

Cons

• Does not provide whole-house heat

• Extensive maintenance

• Requires work (hauling fuel, tending fire)

• Fire hazard if not maintained

• Very low efficiency 

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.

Pros

• Low initial cost

• Portable

• Good for heating a small area

Cons

• Expensive to run long-term

• Not effective for full-home heating

• Significant fire and burn risks

• Average lifespan of 5-10 years

Modern Heating Technology

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.

Pros

• High efficiency, potentially lowering heating bills

• Zone control capabilities

• Easier installation than adding ductwork

• Average lifespan of 10-20 years

Cons

• 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 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.

Pros

• Toasty floors

• Silent

• No visible equipment

• No ductwork

• Average lifespan of 30-40 years 

Cons

• Very high installation costs

• Slower response times

• Difficult to access for repairs 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Heat Source

Before deciding between the many types of heating systems, it’s important to consider how each option fits your home, lifestyle, and priorities. Heating systems aren’t one-size-fits-all—what works in a brand-new home might not be ideal for an older property. Likewise, your budget or environmental priorities may lead you to one solution over another.

Here are key factors to keep in mind when selecting between the different types of heaters:

• Age of the house: Older homes may require additional retrofitting to accommodate certain types of furnaces or ductwork-heavy systems.

• Budget: Consider both upfront installation costs and long-term energy savings. Some systems are more efficient but may come with higher initial expenses.

• Environmental concerns: If reducing your carbon footprint matters to you, look into high-efficiency systems or those that rely on renewable energy sources.

• Fuel availability: In some Maryland neighborhoods, natural gas might not be available, influencing whether a gas or electric system is best.

• Space requirements: Not all systems are compact. Make sure the option you choose fits the physical layout of your home.

• Energy efficiency ratings: Systems with higher AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) or SEER ratings will save more in the long run.

• Maintenance needs: Some systems require more frequent upkeep than others. Consider what level of maintenance you’re comfortable with.

Questions? Blue Dot Services is Here to Help!

Want to review your options for heating your home with an expert? With several types of heating systems available, deciding what’s best for your home can be challenging. Fortunately, Blue Dot Services is here to help every step of the way, from reliable heating installation to maintenance and heating repair. Our technicians are known to go above and beyond to ensure you have a safe, comfortable home throughout the winter.

Learn more about our HVAC installation services or give us a call at 410-204-2662 to get started. Or, schedule your installation service online now.