A heater is vital for your family’s survival in the winter. But since there are many heating systems on the market, it is understandable that you might get confused when trying to choose one to install in your home. You need the technology to effectively warm up your indoor air while not spending too much money in the process.

To help you make the right decision, here are some examples of home heating solutions to consider:

Electric Furnace

The cheapest heating system on the market is probably the electric heater, both in terms of initial cost and future maintenance costs. This system is more reliable in extreme cold than any other system. However, the unit has poor energy efficiency in terms of heat produced compared to energy consumed. You might end up with a high electricity bill at the end of the month.

Gas Furnace

Gas-powered furnaces are more efficient than electric ones. They are also more reliable because they stay running during blackouts. However, gas is a fossil fuel, so it is not an environmentally-friendly option. The gas-burning may also produce carbon monoxide, which can be harmful to breathe in.

There are several types of gas that can fuel the furnace, but each type of gas furnace works with only a specific type of gas. Make sure you buy the right unit and the right gas if you want to install the system in your home.

Oil Furnace

Oil furnaces still use electricity to run the system, but they use gas instead of electricity to generate heat, so the electricity consumed is significantly lower than an electric heater. This system is slightly cheaper yet slightly less efficient than a gas furnace. For many people, it can be a middle-ground alternative. But similar to fossil gases, heating oils are harmful to the environment.

Boiler

A boiler uses water to carry out heat and circulate it throughout the house. The old technology has developed a lot. Newer models tend to be significantly more energy-efficient than old ones. Due to its central system, a boiler leaves fewer cold spots than portable heaters. However, you might need to have a large space to install the unit.

Heat Pump

Also known as a reverse-cycle air conditioner, a heat pump is suitable for smaller houses because you don’t need to install two separate devices for heating and cooling your house. The refrigerant system inside the unit can transfer heat from outside to inside your house, and vice versa. Although it relies on electricity to run, it is highly energy-efficient. The initial cost might be high. But considering that it is a unit for both heating and cooling, the price still makes sense.

The best home heating solutions for your home might not be the same as the best heating system for someone else’s home. You need to consider your own situation to make the right decision. If you still feel unsure about what to choose, you might need to contact a professional HVAC company to give you some advice.