Types of Home Heating Systems: Which One Is Best for Your Home?

When it comes time to installing a new heating system in your home there is a great deal to take into consideration. With such a wide range of systems available it's handy to know what you can expect from each type. Here is a review of four heating systems to help you choose the best one for your home.

Furnaces
If you choose a furnace you will certainly not be short of options. Furnaces work by taking the outside air, heating it and then sending the heated air into the home. Gas or electric furnaces are most common, however, wood powered, oil and even coal powered furnaces are an option. If a furnace appeals to you then narrow your search by knowing the heating capacity you require from your furnace, your preferred fuel and whether that system has variable fan speeds.

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Radiant Heating
When it comes to radiant heating you're looking at the options of hydronic systems, radiant ceiling heating, floor and baseboard heating. Hydronic systems use hot water from your boiler, sending it through pipes that will heat the entire home if need be. Radiant ceiling heating involves electric units installed on the ceiling. Once you turn the system on there is a wire coil that heats up and that heat radiates from the ceiling. Floor heating works in a similar fashion to ceiling heating. Baseboard heating also uses electric units. Controlled by a thermostat, the unit will come on once the temperature goes below that set on the thermostat.

Heat Pumps
Heat pumps that utilise the heat from underneath the home are not all that popular, although those who do use them find them very efficient. The warm temperature from underground can be utilised during the cold winter months to warm the home most commonly via underfloor heating. Heat pumps tend to cost more initially to install so this factor alone sees many homeowners looking for alternative options.

Heat pumps are considered a good 'green' option so if you're very concerned for the environment this might be the perfect choice for your home. In some circumstances heat pumps can be used in reverse to cool the home too which is a major plus for this lesser known system.

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Space Heaters
Space heaters are highly popular worldwide as they allow you to heat certain areas of the home as opposed to every room in the house. This helps save on energy use and subsequent costs. Closing off doors to small or even large spaces fitted with an appropriate sized space heater can make those areas of the home snug and cosy. Space heaters come in all manner of shapes and sizes and you're certain to be impressed with the designs on offer in leading outlets.

Now you have a good understanding of the most common heating systems available you have a clearer view of the options available to you. Select those systems that appeal the most and seek out additional details on their running costs, their output, their green rating and so forth.

From there you can narrow your search down even further. Installation costs are another key factor to consider when pricing heating systems as is ongoing maintenance, parts and warranty offers. When you have all those facts it will be easier than ever to find the best heating system for your home.

Author Bio : Tauseef Hussain is a media blogger and writes for AQVA Furniture's, the on-line store for designer bathroom vanities. You can follow interact with Tauseef on twitter @usef4u