Are you wondering about the best types of heating systems for your home? As Mandeville’s most trusted HVAC company, Airsmiths Cooling & Heating provides the following knowledge about your best options. Keep reading to discover what we can do for you.
5 Most Common Types of Residential Heating
Different HVAC systems heat your home in different ways, but they all have the same goal: keeping your home comfortable and safe during the winter months.
1. Forced Air
Forced air is the most common type of HVAC system, and can accommodate natural gas, propane fuel, oil, and electric furnaces. In this system, the furnace heats the air and a fan forces it through your ductwork and into your home. Each type of furnace has benefits and disadvantages, such as:
- Gas and propane: Propane and gas furnaces heat more efficiently than other types of furnaces and the fuel costs less. They also run quieter than other types of furnaces. However, you must live in an area with a gas or propane supply, and any leaks, while rare, pose a serious threat to your safety
- Oil: Oil furnaces heat your home better than gas furnaces, but require a storage tank on your property. They also require higher maintenance costs you’ll pay more for oil than gas or propane.
- Electric: Electric furnaces are the least expensive to install and maintain and last a long time. However, they provide less efficient heating and you’ll pay more for electricity than you do for oil and gas.
2. Radiant Heating
All forms of radiant heating work basically the same. A boiler sends hot water through pipes to radiators, which evaporates into your rooms. Choose from the following types:
- In-floor: The most modern and expensive form of radiant heating, this uses pipes embedded under the floor to heat your rooms without taking up extra space.
- Baseboard: Baseboards are a more modern form of radiated heat, and instead of using taller radiators, they line the baseboards along the floor. They take up less space and last several decades, making them a great option for homes that already have a boiler.
- Traditional: This system includes a boiler that sends hot water to radiators in each room. The radiators are tall and situated against the wall. While many old homes use this method, they suffer from space limitations and you can’t combine them with an air conditioning system.
3. Heat Pump
Heat pumps are one of the most popular types of heating systems in areas with mild winters like Louisiana. They provide both heating and cooling in the same device, meaning your entire HVAC system takes up less space and requires less maintenance. However, they’re more expensive to install and usually don’t last as long as air conditioners or furnaces.
Heat pumps usually require electricity, though you can also find natural gas models. They’re extremely energy efficient, run quietly, and use existing ductwork in your home.
4. Hybrid
Hybrid systems combine the power of a heat pump and a traditional furnace for more flexibility based on temperature. A heat pump’s ability to heat your home diminishes once the temperature drops below 40 degrees, at which point the furnace can kick in for more efficient and effective heating.
While it’s a great option for environments with less moderate winters, a hybrid system requires higher installation and maintenance costs.
5. Ductless Mini-Split
Ductless mini-splits don’t require ductwork, which means they’re a great option for homes that want comfortable air without the expense of installing ducts. They have expensive installation costs, but require little maintenance and operation costs and can allow more nuanced control over the temperature in each room.
Contact Airsmiths Cooling & Heating for All Your Heating Needs
Now that you understand the most common types of heating systems, Airsmiths Cooling & Heating can help you decide which option is best for you. Whether you want to know the truth behind winter heating myths or need regular HVAC maintenance, we provide knowledgeable and friendly service.
Call (985) 400-5093 for help today.
