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Most households in the United States now have central heating, but there are several types of heating systems.

Warm Air
In warm air systems, air heated in a furnace travels through ducts into different rooms. The warm air comes out through registers in the floors or the walls of the rooms. When the cooler air enters the room, warmer air displaces it and it goes through return ducts and back to the furnace. The furnace reheats the cooler air, then it’s recirculated back through the house. If the system doesn’t have cold air return ducts, the cold air goes back to the furnace through the action of gravity. Warm air systems have an advantage over other systems in that the air can be cleaned by filtering and humidified. Filters are either inexpensive and disposable or permanent filters that only need occasional washing. Humidifiers can be installed in the main return or supply duct near the furnace. They’re also easier to adapt to a central air conditioning system and there are no distribution pipes that can freeze during a hard winter, then burst.

However, the big disadvantage of the warm air system is that if the heat exchanger breaks down exhaust gas mixes with the circulating air around the house.

Forced Warm Air
This is the most popular type of heating system in a house that uses a central heating system. A blower in the heat exchanger circulates the warm air. Because of this, comfortable heating can be had at lower furnace temperatures and with lower consumption of fuel. The supply and return ducts also don’t have to be as large and cumbersome as a gravity warm air system.

Hot Water Systems
This system circulates and recirculates water heater in a boiler. The water is transmitted through pipes to radiators located throughout the house. The hot water gives up some its heat when it reaches the radiators, then the cooler water flows back to the boiler where it can be reheated and recirculated. Hot water systems are flexible and can be used to heat the area below the level of the boiler, and independent heating zones are easier to install in the house. They’re also fairly quiet. However, since every component in the system, including the boiler, distribution pipes and the radiators are always filled with water and hot water expands, the system has to come with an expansion tank. Without it the pipes could burst. Conversely, the water is also subject to freezing, which can also burst the pipes.

It is estimated that the life span of a typical home heating system is about 20 years. There is variation in this based on the maintenance performed on the unit during its years of use, the heating system’s manufacturer and other factors. Generally, however, a system that is between about 15 and 20 years old may begin to show signs that it needs to be replaced. It may begin to run more inefficiently, or it may need more frequent repair. In some instances, it may stop functioning altogether. The decision may be made to buy a new heating system. When purchasing a new heating system, there are a few things to consider.

The Size of Space That Needs to Be Heated
Many homeowners are concerned about the price of the heating system. The price generally is correlated with the amount of space that needs to be heated. Larger, more powerful heating systems are required to heat larger spaces. Consider determining the amount of square footage that needs to be heated inside the home. If two different heating systems are in place, as is common with larger homes, the square footage of a single heating unit’s zone area will need to be calculated.

The Efficiency Rating
Another factor to consider when purchasing a new heating system for a home is the energy efficiency rating. Many heating units are designed with energy efficiency in mind today, but some of the most energy efficient models are also the most costly models. Consider calculating the cost of use with two or three different models you are considering buying. Compare the cost of use against the purchase price. Through this process, you may determine how many months or years of use are required with the most energy efficient model to recoup the difference in sales price.

It can be difficult to determine which heating system to buy for your home. Many homeowners do rely on the expert advice and guidance of their heating and cooling professional when making this decision. A heating and cooling professional can help you to determine the square footage of zone space and can review different makes and models of heating systems that you may consider purchasing for your home While it can be difficult to determine which heating system is right for your home, working with your heating and cooling professional can provide you with helpful insight to guide your decision-making process.