6 Types of Heating Systems and How to Choose One for Your Home

Familiarize yourself with the different types of heating systems so you might weigh the pros and cons.

Homeowners must considerefficiency, maintenance requirements, performance, and cost when choosing the best heating system.

Although there are different types of furnaces, they all work in the same general manner.

radiator home heating system

Credit:Getty Images / Liudmila Chernetska

Modern, properly installed forced air furnaces can be extremely energy-efficient heating options.

On average, a new forced air furnace costs $4,735.

Torn insulation, holes, and other damage can cause air loss, resulting in ahigher utility bill.

In some instances, the system may be unable to meet the demands of adequately conditioning the air.

Heat pump installation cost averages slightly higher than a forced air furnace at $5,500.

When temperatures are mild, the heat pump is solely responsible for keeping the home comfortable.

These hybrid systems often have an upfront cost that can reach $10,000.

Boiler

Boilers function exactly how you thinkby boiling water.

The water is heated by several optional fuel sources, including natural gas, liquid propane, and electricity.

Radiant heat systems typically refer to in-floor heating systems.

These systems evenly distribute heat throughout a homes flooring, which radiates it through the living space.

Radiant in-floor heat systems arent cheap.

A whole-home installation could cost as much as $48,000.

Wood burners are an age-old heating method often chosen for its economical approach.

Wood is generally less expensive than other fuel sources such as natural gas, liquid propane, and electricity.

This is especially true if you harvest it yourself from your property.

Many people choosefireplaces, wood stoves orpellet stovesas supplemental heat.

The natural tradeoff is that wood-burning heat systems are very hands-on.

For installation, expect to pay less than $500, depending on the system you choose.

Regularly inspect and clean the chimneys to avoid fire risk and carbon monoxide exposure.

When in doubt, consult with your local HVAC professionals.