There are so many types of home heating systems to choose from, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs.
In this guide, we will discuss the most common types of furnaces that homeowners love. We’ll also explain how to choose a home heating system and give you some tips about the pros and cons of different styles of heating.
Types of Home Heating Systems
Home heating systems in the USA come in several styles. The most popular types are central forced air, hydronic hot water or steam, radiant heating, and geothermal systems.
Let’s take a look at each of these systems and discover the pros and cons of each.
Central Forced Air
Central forced air is perhaps the most common type of heating in California. It’s a system that uses a furnace to heat air and then distributes that heated air through a series of ducts.
In 2021 the state of California was the nation’s second-largest consumer of electricity. A combination of AC use and central air use was undoubtedly a large contributor.
The major benefit of this type of system is that it can also be used to cool your home in the summertime, making it a versatile option.
Another advantage is that forced air systems are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. The downside of this type of system is that it can be noisy and the ductwork can be expensive to repair if it becomes damaged.
Hydronic Hot Water or Steam
Hydronic or steam heating systems are usually found in older homes. In this system, water is heated in a boiler and then circulated through a network of pipes to radiators or baseboard heaters.
The main advantage of hydronic heating is that it can be very efficient because the water transfers heat slowly and evenly. These types of systems are very quiet because there is no forced air.
The downside of hydronic systems is that they require a lot of maintenance and can be messy and expensive to repair if something goes wrong.
Radiant Heating
Radiant heating is a type of heating system that heats objects or people in a room rather than the air. The most common types of radiant heating are electric radiant and hydronic radiant.
Electric radiant heating uses electric coils or resistance wires placed under the floor or in the walls or ceiling.
Hydronic radiant heating is similar. However, it uses hot water from a boiler to heat pipes that are embedded in the floor or run through the ceiling. Underfloor heating might seem like a recent invention but it has been around since Ancient Roman times!
The main advantage of radiant heating is that it is very efficient because it doesn’t heat the air, which can escape through doors and windows. Additionally, radiant heating is very quiet because there are no moving parts.
Geothermal Systems
Geothermal systems are one of the most efficient types of home heating systems. They use the earth’s natural heat to warm your home.
A geothermal system has a ground source heat pump that transfers heat from the ground into your home. Geothermal systems are also environmentally friendly because they don’t release carbon dioxide or other pollutants into the atmosphere.
The main downside of geothermal systems is that they require a lot of space for the ground source heat pump. This type of system is also more expensive to install than other types of home heating systems.
Choosing the Best Home Heating System for You
When you’re trying to decide on the best home heating system for your needs, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. These include:
- The climate in your area
- The size and layout of your home
- Your budget
- Your personal preferences regarding aesthetics
Here in California, the most popular heating systems are central forced air and radiant heating. But hydronic systems are also gaining in popularity, especially as more people become concerned about the environment.
Types of Furnaces
New furnace designs are more energy-efficient than older models and the biggest innovations have been in gas-fired furnaces. Gas-fired furnaces now come in condensing and non-condensing types, with the most efficient models being condensing types.
The advantage of this type of furnace is that it is very efficient and can be used with a variety of different types of heating systems. The downside of this type of furnace is that it can be noisy and produce a lot of dust.
Oil-fired furnaces are less common in California but are still used in some parts of the state. These types of furnaces burn oil to heat air that is then circulated through the home by a blower.
How to Choose a Home Heating System
Choosing a home heating system is a big decision. There are many factors to consider, including climate, budget, and personal preferences. But with a little research, you’ll be able to find the best heating system for your needs.
If you live in an area with mild winters, a central forced-air furnace or radiant floor heating might be the best option for you. If you live in an area with cold winters, a gas-fired furnace might be the best choice.
The Best Home Heating System
Do you want help to understand the best types of home heating systems for your home?
When it comes to home heating system installation, repair, and maintenance in California, you can trust Milano Mechanical. We’re a certified business that works on all sorts of AC models and brands!
Get in touch with us today. We serve the surrounding areas of Petaluma, including Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Roseville, and Rocklin.
