Whether you are building your dream home or upgrading the heating system in your existing house, you may have realized by now that there are several choices on the market. How does a homeowner decide which type of heating unit will meet their needs the best? You could conduct a survey of your friends and family, visit websites that make various promises about their product, or talk to an expert that you trust. Any of these ideas could be helpful, but for a simple compare and contrast of the most popular ways to heat a home today, read on.

Central Furnace

Of all the heating options on the market right now, the good old central furnace is still the most popular. You may have spooky memories of your grandparents’ basement furnace belching out frightening amounts of heat and noise, but modern units are quiet, reliable, and produce heat that warms the whole house evenly.

Furnaces have good energy ratings, and you can choose from electric, propane, or natural gas. Some units can use dual fuels, such as electricity and propane, which is helpful in a power outage. Typically easy to repair and maintain, these central heat sources can last for 15 to 20 years and are a good value.

Heat Pump



Quiet, efficient, and hard-working, the heat pump is a two-in-one unit that will heat your house in winter and cool it in summer. It may sound like magic, but is actually simple evaporator and condenser coil technology. They run exclusively on electricity, so if gas is pricey in your area a heat pump can save you money.

Heat pumps are small in size and are installed outside of the home, usually on a concrete pad a few feet from the back or side of the house. They make very little noise, can be hidden with tasteful landscaping, and are easy to work on because of their accessibility. Heat pumps are also a smart investment; if you ever decide to sell your home more buyers may be attracted to it due to the magical unit that provides heating and cooling.

Ductless Systems

Some houses, such as those that only have a wood stove for heat, do not have ducting throughout the rooms of the home. If this is the case, but you don’t desire to heat with wood, having a ductless system may be the way to go.

These heating systems have multiple components. There is a compressor installed outside the home, and box-shaped blower units installed high on the interior walls of each room that is to be heated. Some homeowners dislike the looks of the indoor components, but with careful planning, it is possible to incorporate them into your décor. If maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout your house is a desirable part of keeping your home running smoothly, ductless heating is a good option to consider.

Choosing the best heating system for your home doesn’t have to be confusing. By asking other homeowners for their opinion, gathering information from experts, and comparing the data to your budget requirements, you can make a decision that will work for you now and for years to come.

Author

  1. avatar
    Boris Dzhingarov

    Wordpress Blogging - SEO and Social Media Marketing - Organic Traffic - Founder of 16 Blogs - Love to Travel