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Your Guide to Home Heating Systems: Furnaces, Boilers, and Heat Pumps

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Although we’ve had a warm October in Southwest Missouri so far, we all know that cold weather is on the horizon. Are you ready? We always recommend giving your home heating systems a test run now to make sure you don’t find yourself without heat in the middle of a cold snap!! 

Getting to know your home’s heating system is an important part of being a homeowner. Heat already accounts for a good chunk of your utility bill, so it’s worth investing in an efficient home heating system. If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with the 3 types of home heating systems as well as the pros and cons of each one. Consider factors like size, noise output, efficiency rating, and cost when evaluating the different home heating systems. 

Heating Systems

Furnaces

Raise your hand if you currently have a furnace in your home. Yes, most of us do. Furnaces, also known as forced air systems, blow hot air into a living space to warm it up. These are the most commonly used heating system in the U.S. Why? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Warm up next to the heater with a blanket and hot chocolate.

Pros

  • Inexpensive to install
  • Reliable
    • Low-maintenance
    • Long life span
  • Can be retrofitted to filter air
  • Easiest, cheapest to replace

Cons

  • Most likely to stir up allergens
  • Warm air can be easily lost through ducts and gaps
  • Gas furnaces present a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning risk
  • Electric furnaces are safer but more expensive to install

Boilers

A boiler heating system uses a system of tubes to pump hot water underneath the floors and within the walls. The process of convection then distributes the heat throughout the home. These systems can be powered by natural gas, electricity, or propane. Old school boiler systems were the steam radiators some of us are familiar with. These were upgraded to hot water radiators with more control and versatility. The newest boiler systems use tubing under the floor, distributing heat evenly. Although these hydronic radiant floor heating systems are the most efficient, they’re also the most expensive to install and replace. Here are the pros and cons of boiler heating systems.

An example of a radiator, one of the types of home heating systems.

Pros

  • Runs quietly
  • Doesn’t kick up allergens
  • Better air quality
  • Newest systems are highly efficient

Cons

  • More expensive to purchase and install
  • Old or damaged systems can leak water
  • Natural gas may not be available as a power source depending on where you live
  • Aren’t appropriate for climates with mild winters

Click here to learn more about the differences between boilers and furnaces.

Heat pumps

Last, but not least, we have heat pumps. Heat pumps are the most efficient of the heating systems. They take the existing temperature outdoors, underwater, or underground to heat, cool, and humidify a home. There are 3 types of heat pumps – air-source heat pumps, split ductless systems, and geothermal systems. Take a look at the pros and cons of having a heat pump system.

Girl working in a warm house with a blanket and hot tea.

Pros

  • Most efficient – will save you money in the long run
  • Single system is used year round for both heating and cooling
  • Can be modified to assist in heating your water
  • Natural dehumidifier, great for dry climates

Cons

  • Most expensive to purchase and install
  • Not appropriate for small homes/lots
  • Fans can produce noise
  • Require careful, frequent maintenance
  • May require an auxiliary heating system in cold climates

Try this article learn more about the various types of home heating systems, including heat pumps.

So, let me ask you again, homeowner. Are you ready for the cold weather? Go get familiar with your heating system, make sure it’s working correctly, and decide if it’s the right style for you home (and your pocketbook!).

As the weather cools down, you might think about gearing up the fireplace. Click here for tips on making your fireplace the focal point of your living space!

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