10 Different Types of Heating Systems You Need to Know

A heating system, in short, maintains the temperature of a home to keep it warm enough.

As a homeowner, it becomes your duty to make sure that you get the right type of heating system according to the place you live in.

Related: Electric Vs Gas Heaters

In that aspect, without having enough knowledge about different types of heating systems, it would become a relatively difficult job to set your focus on one specific system.

For that purpose, we would like to help you gain knowledge about the latest heating system types and how each one of them works.

Less talk, more action!

Let us start the discussion, without any further ado:

Understanding the term HVAC

Before moving on to the main heating system types, you need to understand what HVAC actually stands for.

HVAC is abbreviated as “Heating, Ventilation, and air-conditioning.” We use this term to define the whole climate control system of a home.

No matter what type of HVAC or heating system you use, the purpose of these appliances is the same, i.e. maintaining a temperature to an optimum level.

Main Fuel Sources of Heating Systems

Another important thing to study!

Many heating appliances these days use different fuel sources.

The most common ones include biofuel, natural gas, propane, electricity, or special fuel oil.

Not only that, but you will also notice that some homes could use two heating systems at once.

That usually happens when homeowners want to cover a large area of the home and in that case, one heating system is simply not enough.

Enough with describing these terms!

Let’s get back to discussing the 10 main heating system types as under:

10 Types of Heating Systems to Consider for Your Home

1. Furnace:

By far the most common heating system used in the United States and all over the world!

Forced heating distribution system utilizes the use of a furnace combined with a blower fan. It then regulates the home temperature either by delivering heated or air-conditioned air.

Homeowners mainly opt for such a heating system as it offers a 2-in-1 working interface. Plus, you can utilize it both in winters and summers.

Fuel Source: Electricity, Propane, Natural Gas, and Oil.

Advantages

You get both heated and air-conditioned air for proper temperature regulation.
Integration of other appliances such as humidifiers or dehumidifiers is possible.
The use of proper filters in furnace heating systems could remove allergens and dust particles from the air.
The heating system is not too expensive.
Distribution system is quick and efficient enough along with proper fuel optimization.

Disadvantages

Use of natural or propane gas could lead to leakage and explosive fires in rare cases.
The system would take up a good amount of space to get adjusted.
Installing a duct system is rather difficult. You will need an expert for proper installation.
Forced air furnaces only heat the air and not the objects in a room. So, it’s kind of considered an uncomfortable form of heating.

Bottom Line:

Furnace heating system offers the forced distribution of warm and air-conditioned air through a duct system.

Besides, it’s an affordable way to keep your home’s temperature regulated enough.

However, the kind of fuel it uses could spark some insecurity in homeowners. Plus, it’s a real struggle to get it installed in the home.

2. Boiler

Mostly utilized in old and traditional homes, boilers and radiator systems could be used as an efficient form of heating, especially for small houses.

This kind of system comes with a central boiler that circulates steam or water via pipes to specific radiator units installed at home.

Hot steam thus comes out of these units to maintain the temperature of a house.

Boilers could maintain heating in a small home or room. However, they won’t be sufficient enough for a large house or a spacious place.

Main Fuel Source: Natural Gas, Propane, Fuel Oil, and Electricity.

Advantages

Ensures heating small rooms within a short time.
Offers a comfortable form of heating as compared to furnaces.
Not expensive.

Disadvantages

Not compatible with modern HVAC systems.
Boiler heating systems won’t accept the pairing of other appliances such as humidifiers.
Not suitable for maintaining heat of a large area.

Bottom Line:

Not precisely better than other heating systems, but boilers could become an option if you want to heat a small house within a short budget.

3. Heat Pumps

Commonly known as a ductless heating system, heat pumps are getting quite popular as active heating systems for homes.

The working interface of this type of heating system resembles an air conditioner. Basically, heat is extracted from the air and delivered through a special indoor air handler placed in homes.

The system utilizes an outdoor compressor combined with the indoor air handler. Besides, you can also keep it in different rooms as per your preferences.

On top of that, you can expect a heat pump to offer a cool breeze during the summers.

Fuel Source: Natural gas or electricity only.

Advantages

Compared to furnaces and traditional boilers, heat pumps do not need any ductwork.
They are easy to install.
Heat pump could deliver both warm and cold air depending upon how you tweak its settings.
Energy efficient and could save you a fortune on electric or gas bills.
Heat pump fans are rather quieter than other systems.

Disadvantages

Heat pumps best work in mild climates only. This system becomes fragile with freezing or extremely hot temperatures.
Limited heat distribution, i.e. though indoor air handler.

Bottom Line:

Heat pumps are rather innovative and technologically advanced. You can consider this heating system for your home if you reside in a mild climate area.

4. In-Floor Radiant Heating System

One of the most advanced heating systems used these days!

In-Floor Radiant heating system focuses on heating up objects or materials compared to the air only. The objects or materials could include furniture or flooring, etc.

Most of these systems use hot water heated in a water heater or a boiler to make and distribute heat.

Moreover, the installation of whole system is rather complex. In-floor heating is installed either in concrete slabs or under wooden floors while using plastic water tubing.

Apart from a quiet working interface, In-Floor Radiants are energy-efficient and could offer better heating with less fuel consumption.

Last but not the least, some in-floor systems are also installed via electric wires and that would make heating a bit expensive compared to the hot water system.

That is one of the reasons you will see electric in-floor radiants installed in small spaces such as washrooms only.

Main Fuel Source:

Mostly natural gas, electricity, or liquid propane.

Advantages

More even and comfortable form of heating is ensured.
If you utilize the boiler system, it could cut extra bill costs for sure.
The whole system does not acquire any space as it is installed under the floors.

Disadvantages

These systems take time to heat up and maintain the temperature.
Installation is a one-time expanse, but it’s quite expensive.
The system is difficult to maintain in case any problem arises.
Boiler radiants cannot be paired up with air conditioning units.

Bottom Line:

Suitable for almost every home, in-floor radiants can distribute the heat evenly to keep the environment all cozy and warm. Make sure that you have enough money in the bag before you opt for this system.

5. Electric Resistance or Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are not actually a proper HVAC system, however, we can think of them as an alternative way to keep small rooms heated enough.

Using electricity as main fuel source, electric heaters would cause a big bump in your monthly electricity bills.

However, being compact and portable enough, you could use them in rooms, hallways, offices, basements, and any other small place you want.

Besides, the maintenance of this heating system is literally zero when we compare it with other systems.

Main Fuel Source: Electricity

Advantages

Portable and compact.
Requires zero maintenance.
Easy to install.
Versatile enough.
Offers instant heat.

Disadvantages

Not a proper HVAC system.
Electric resistance systems waste a lot of energy.
You cannot expect electric heaters to warm up a large house.

Bottom Line:

A portable and easily transportable system, but wastes electric energy and could spike your electric bills easily.

6. Baseboard Heater System:

A modern radiant type, i.e. baseboard heating system uses a central boiler in which water is heated and then passed through a channel of water pipes to baseboarding units.

Having an updated mechanism compared to traditional boilers, baseboard heaters offer precise temperature control.

Plus, you could expect this type of heating system to ensure even heat distribution to maintain the overall temperature in a house.

Fuel Source: Electricity, Natural gas, Propane.

Advantages

Offer a precise temperature control mechanism.
Inexpensive and energy efficient.

Disadvantages

Boiler systems could not be paired up with air conditioning systems.
Complex installation process.

Bottom Line:

Baseboard heaters are not too common compared to other heating systems. However, they could be considered as an option to regulate heat of small homes on an affordable budget.

7. Electric Space Heaters:

Space heaters, also known as plug-in heaters meet the demands of homeowners who do not have to suffer from cold temperatures all year long.

You can think of electric space heaters as a temporary solution to regulate heat and keep the environment cozy enough.

Being compact and portable enough, these heaters are easily transferable from one place to another. Plus, they won’t take a lot of space to get adjusted.

Just find a wall socket, plug in the heater, and enjoy an unlimited supply of heat for a long time.

Fuel Source: Electricity.

Advantages

Portable and compact.
Instant solution to regulate cold temperature.
Requires no assembly or maintenance.

Disadvantages

These systems cannot warm up a large house.
The electric cord might catch fire in some cases.
You have to close the room properly to let an electric space heater work properly.
Could remove fresh air from the room.

Bottom Line:

Offering a temporary but instant heating boost, electric space heaters are a must for every household where the winter season is intense but won’t last long.

8. Active Solar Heating System:

Already getting all the spotlight in 2023, solar systems are becoming the new trend all over the town.

Just like other systems, this type of heating requires active solar energy and converts it into heat, which is then distributed evenly.

These systems usually need to be paired up with other HVAC systems. So, you will have to utilize either in-floor radiants, boilers, furnaces, or baseboard heating systems with solar panels.

Fuel Source: Solar Energy.

Advantages

Environmental-friendly.
Cuts the fuel costs of other heating systems.

Disadvantages

Reliance on traditional heating systems.
Limited to solar fuel only.

Bottom Line:

Quite a good option, especially if you are aiming for a long-term investment. Make sure that you already have an active heating system installed at your home before you opt for a solar system.

9. Hybrid Heating Systems:

Ideal for extremely cold regions, hybrid systems use heat pumps combined with a gas furnace to produce and distribute heat ideally.

In some conditions when the cold weather gets extreme, heat pumps will get assistance from gas furnaces to keep the inner environment as warm as possible.

In other words, both heating systems complement each other to make sure that the temperature remains regulated. It also means less repairs and maintenance hassles.

Fuel Source: Electricity and Natural gas.

Advantages

Suitable for homes situated in extremely cold regions.
Ensures a complete heating solution.
Each system complements the other for active heat distribution.

Disadvantages

Heat pump requires regular maintenance over the year.
Two systems could use more fuel, which means extra fuel cost.

Bottom Line:

Ideal choice for people living in areas where winters could last a whole year.

10. Gravity Air Furnace System:

An advanced version of traditional furnace systems, a gravity heating system also uses ducts to distribute the heat properly.

However, instead of a blower (in case of the furnace), this type of heating system lets the warm air rise which then gets regulated into the room to make the temperature even.

In terms of cool air, it sinks and gets back to cold air opening ducts where it’s utilized by the homeowner during the summers.

Fuel Source: Propane, electricity, or natural gas.

Advantages

It requires little maintenance.
Not too expensive.
Less fuel consumption.

Disadvantages

Takes time to adjust the temperature properly.
Complex installation.

Bottom Line:

Gravity Air Furnace system can ensure even distribution of heat, however, it takes time to maintain the temperature ideally. You can consider it as a good alternative compared to traditional furnace systems.

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The major types of heating systems include forced heat distribution systems, i.e., furnaces, In-Floor Radiant Heating Systems, and Gravity Air Furnace Systems. Heat Pumps are also a good option for mild climates.

It all depends upon where you live and your budget. However, the best type of heating system for mild climates is a heat pump as it is also energy efficient. If you live in extremely cold areas, then we would recommend a Hybrid Heating system that consists of a heat pump and a gas furnace. For people who live in warm climates with a short winter, electric space heaters are the best shot for them.

The overall prices are variable depending upon the place you reside in. However, for the U.S., an electric boiler system installation could cost as low as $2,500, which is the cheapest option to try out in 2023. Followed by an electric boiler is an electric furnace, which would cost at least $3,500 in America.

Final Takeaway:

That’s all about the most advanced and some traditional heating system types available in 2023.

Based on this information, you could choose one specific type and decide to install it at your home. However, we would suggest that you take factors like your geographical location, your outdoor weather, and your budget in mind before making the final decision.

10 Different Types of Heating Systems You Need to Know

Understanding the term HVAC

Main Fuel Sources of Heating Systems