Heating Systems: Which One is Right for You?
There are three main types of heating systems: forced air, radiant, and baseboard. Forced air systems are the most common type of heating system in the U.S. They use a furnace to heat air, which is then circulated through ducts to rooms in your home.
Radiant systems work by circulating hot water through pipes in your floors or walls. Baseboard systems are the least common type of heating system; they work by circulating hot water or electricity through metal coils in your walls.
Now that you know the basics, let's dive into the details of each type of system so you can decide which one is right for you. If you’re
Forced Air Heating Systems
If you have a forced air system, chances are it's powered by either natural gas or electricity. Forced air systems work by circulating heated air through a network of ducts and vents throughout your home.
The Pros:
- Forced air systems are relatively inexpensive to install.
- They heat your home quickly and evenly.
- You can use them in conjunction with a central AC system to cool your home in the summer.
The Cons:
- The ductwork required for forced air systems can be expensive to install.
- They can be noisy, particularly if your ductwork is in poor condition.
- The filtered air can circulate dust and other allergens throughout your home.
Radiant Heating Systems
Radiant heating systems are typically powered by electricity, although there are some models that run on natural gas or propane.
Radiant heating works by circulating heated water through a network of pipes beneath your flooring or inside your walls. The heat radiates from these surfaces into the room, warming it evenly.
Talk to your local heating installation Broken Arrow OK company if radiant heating system is suitable for your space.
The Pros:
- Radiant heating is very efficient, particularly when used in conjunction with solar power.
- It's very quiet—you won't even know it's on!
- Radiant heat feels more comfortable than forced air because there are no drafts.
The Cons:
- Radiant heating can be expensive to install, particularly if you don't already have a network of pipes in place.
- If your radiant heating system uses electricity, your utility bills may be higher than they would be with another type of system.
Hydronic Heating Systems
Hydronic heating systems are similar to radiant heating systems in that they use a network of pipes to circulate heated water throughout your home. However, hydronic systems are powered by natural gas or propane rather than electricity.
Hydronic systems can be used to heat both your floors and walls but are most commonly used to heat floors only.
The Pros:
- Hydronic heating is very efficient, making it a great choice if you're looking to save money on your energy bills.
- Like radiant heating, hydronic heat feels more comfortable than forced air because there are no drafts.
- Hydronic systems can be used in conjunction with solar power to further increase their efficiency.
The Cons:
- Hydronic systems can be expensive to install, particularly if you don't already have a network of pipes in place.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a heating system for your home. The type of system that's right for you will depend on factors like budget, climate, and personal preferences.
Trying to figure out what type of heating system is best for your home can be a daunting task. But don’t worry—the pros at Air Solutions are here to help. Call them at 918-417-6337 to schedule an appointment for heating installation Broken Arrow OK.