Types of Heating Systems for Homes

The options a homeowner has for home heating systems are as varied as they’ve ever been. If you are unsure of which system fits your needs, you may also want to browse through the heating system buying guide section of the site – it’s updated weekly with great content from area professionals.

Standard central heating systems that use an oil or gas furnace are still popular due to their efficiency and the affordability of the equipment. In fact, the Energy Savers website lists gas furnace heat as the most widely used in the US. Advances in technology are making air source heat pumps more efficient and making very efficient ground source heat pumps more affordable.  Hot water systems that use a boiler remain a very effective and reliable source of heat for many homes.

Electric space heaters, with limited use, can be a means of controlling heating costs.  Other types of space heaters and portable heaters that are viable for supplemental and emergency heat include kerosene and propane heaters. Strides in solar energy technology are making it both affordable and more effective in a wider range of climates.  Wood and coal burning systems haven’t gone away either, and advances in designs make them a very feasible home heating system in many areas.

Home Heating System Types

Review the different types of home heating systems in the detailed guides below. They will help you decide which home heating system might be best, and meet your home heating needs. If you need more information, About.com also has a detailed guide to home heating system types on its site.