Heating Systems - A Quick Comparison

Forced air is the most commonplace heating system in place, especially in new construction in most parts of the country. Forced Air Heating heats air through a standard furnace using natural gas, propane, oil or electricity. The heated air is then pushed through ductwork throughout the house by a circulating fan.

The main advantages to this type of heating system are many. The furnace, depending on size and energy source can create the highest efficiency for certain types of homes.

The unit also can accommodate a dual purpose in that it can also serve as the central source for air conditioning and ventilation as well - the only one of these heating systems that can do so. Forced air can also integrate such add-ons as filtration and humidification units.

Forced air systems can, however, have some drawbacks. The units generally require more maintenance than others. They also require an extensive system of ducts in even small homes. Ducts can take up space, alter designs and can be difficult to reach to clean and service. For small to medium homes, these units generally provide the highest efficiency at the lowest cost.

One of the most popular new systems is radiant or ambient heat. Generally, it can come in the form of a hot water tube embedded in a floor or wall - although a radiant heating system can also refer to wood or coal stoves, fireplaces or other fuel-burning heating systems placed in the open.

The advantages to radiant heat are many, but so are the disadvantages. In the case of tubing laid in the floor or wall, the heat is uniform and consistent throughout the home. Architectural design is not affected as it is an "invisible" heat source, allowing for wide design choices. However, if repairs are needed, the system poses severe problems with access and potential structural upheaval.

The heating cycle is slow, as well, so it is not recommended for spaces with rapid, repeating and extreme temperature changes. Ambient heat does not offer a ventilation or air conditioning option at all. Ambient heat offers a high installation cost and a potentially very high repair cost. But the boiler heating the system, if chosen wisely, can offer a very high efficiency factor.

Usually knows as "hot water baseboard" heating systems, this heating option pushes hot water through tubing (usually copper) installed at the bottom of each room's walls. The heat is circulated purely through convection, meaning that no ventilation or circulating device is needed, making the system very quiet.

While the system offers high efficiency at low installation cost, the structure can impede certain designs in homes. Repair is not usually a consideration. As with ambient or radiant heat, the choice of the boiler usually determines the efficiency of this particular style of home heating system.

Again, a separate air conditioning and ventilation unit is required.

Similar to hot water radiant, steam radiant uses a series of pipes or tubes to warm the home through convection. While the system is still in use in some older construction and in some European homes, this system is not used much in the United States.

Also similar to water radiant, the system can be very efficient when the proper type of boiler is used and powered by an appropriate fuel source which may include propane, oil, electricity or alternate energy. An air conditioning and ventilation system would be a separate system entirely.

Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) are unlike either Forced Air or Radiant heat entirely - and are perhaps the most exciting new technology offered in home heating systems. The concept of a GHP is to take heat or cold and to displace it by using long pipes running into the ground. Since the ground at the buried depth is normally a fairly consistent (and comfortable) temperature, the heat or cold is displaced, returning a comfortable temperature to the home.

The advantages are enormous efficiencies and savings - in the range of upwards of 70% over other heating or cooling sources. However, the cost and construction can be prohibitive to achieve these efficiencies. Certain home sites may not be able to take advantage of this system, and maintenance can be extremely high.

Each system does offer advantages and disadvantages to each potential homeowner. Taking these all into consideration, particularly selection, maintenance and repair, as well as response time for service or an emergency should all be taken into consideration. To simplify the selection process, installation, operating, and maintenance costs can be combined into a life-cycle cost - the cost of ownership over a period of years.

A recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that geothermal systems in general have the lowest life-cycle cost of all systems available today. The study also shows that geothermal systems have the lowest impact on our environment. And consumers rate their comfort and satisfaction with geothermal systems higher than all others. While a higher initial investment is required, the investment is paid back through low energy bills, outstanding family safety and true comfort.