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Heating systems for homes may be of different types. These are basically systems having a mechanism to maintain temperatures at a certain level. There can be distributed or centralized heating systems in any dwelling and they all form a part of the HVAC system. Let us take a look at some of the major home heating systems and how they work.

Forced Air Heating (and Cooling) System

This is one of the most widely used types of heating system in a home. The air is heated in a furnace and is distributed by registers to the rooms through ductwork. Furnaces use oil, propane, electricity or natural gas to heat air. Air can be humidified, dehumidified and filtered with this system. It is also quite an affordable choice to make. This however would require regular maintenance and filtration.

Radiant Heating System

This system directly transfers heat from a hot area to a cold one and this is done through a process of radiation. The kind of heat generated is very natural and many people find it very comfortable. In-floor hot water tubing, radiant panels on the ceiling, and pot belly stoves are some of the forms through which radiant heat can be generated. This is a very energy efficient system and heat distribution takes place evenly.

Hydronic (Hot Water Baseboard)

Through radiation and convection generated by the water heated in a boiler this system provides heating solutions for a home. The baseboard unit heats the air which then rises and gets distributed by convection. The heat is distributed through fin-tube baseboard units that are mounted along the wall. Surface area heat dissipation is increased by the fin tubes and this makes the system very energy efficient. Some of the major advantages of this system is that it operates without producing much noise, it is energy efficient and keeps a close control on temperature.

Steam Radiant Heating System

These systems were quite popular in the days gone by and few households use them today. They have upright radiators made of cast iron and come in two types – one-pipe and two-pipe systems. The steam and water travels in the opposite direction but in the same pipe in a one-pipe system, and in a two-pipe system there are separate pipes for steam flow and for water condensate. Distribution is carried out by the steam pipe and radiator units. This system warms water and spaces very quickly.