The Different Types of Heating Systems to Invest In (From Radiant Heating to HVAC)

There have been plenty of advances in home heating systems over the last few decades. Whether you're replacing an old heater or buying something new, you've got more options than ever before when it comes to keeping your new home warm.

However, this does create one major problem. How can you pick the right heating system for your home?

We're going to cover the most popular types of home heating systems looking at everything from vintage radiators to the latest in geothermal heating.

Old-School Radiators

Old school radiators are a great way to combat the winter chills while keeping a vintage feel throughout your home.

Even the oldest cast iron radiators can be installed in a brand-new build or retrofitted into an existing home. They're a wonderful way to invest in your property, keep things warm, and add a historic charm to your home.

If you've already mastered some basic DIY home improvement projects, you can even install old-school radiators on your own.

Furnaces

There are a variety of furnaces out there that can be a great investment for the heating system for your home.

The most common types of furnaces use natural gas to heat your home. However, there are also electric furnaces which make a great alternative that could be more environmentally sound depending on where you live.

Furnaces tend to be more affordable to repair when damaged due to their popularity and availability of parts.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are an interesting choice when it comes to investing and how you keep your home at a good temperature.

This heating system works by using a refrigerant to cycle hot air out of the home in the summer and into the home in the winter.

It's worth pointing out that heat pumps might not be right for every climate. Heat pumps are best for climates that rarely drop below freezing during the winter. A heat pump will be less effective in northern climates that tend to spend most of their winters at or below freezing.

You can also save a lot of money by using a heat pump. If you do happen to live in one of these areas with more mild climates, heat pumps can save you a good amount of money on your energy costs.

If you're considering a heat pump for your home in Allentown, consulting with a reputable heating and cooling company in Allentown can provide you with tailored advice and installation services. Their expertise can help you determine if a heat pump is the most efficient choice for your specific needs and climate.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heating is one of the most efficient options that you can install on your home. This makes it one of the best investments for new builds that haven't yet put in the infrastructure for other HVAC or heating systems.

It works by running heating tubes underneath the floor of your home. Hot water is then cycled through those tubes which radiates heat upward throughout the home. This is a very efficient way to keep your home warm and can heat up your home more effectively than forced air or baseboard heaters, which offer a more inconsistent heat distribution.

Radiant heating might not be the right investment for your home if you happen to live in high efficiency green housing. Radiant heating is just overkill for homes that were built to those standards which might make it cost more than it's worth to install.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are a great investment for your home. It's common knowledge in the real estate market that adding a fireplace can increase the value of your property by somewhere between 6 to 12%.

This is more than just a way to add aesthetic and property value. This heating method can also be a great way to keep your house warm during the winter or cooler summer nights.

A fireplace can also give you the opportunity to selectively heat a single room while keeping the rest of your HVAC system on a much more moderate temperature. You can enjoy a romantic night by the fireplace while saving some money on the heating for the rest of your home.

Solar Heating

Attics represent some of the most underutilized space in our homes. If you've been working on ways to improve your attic, you might want to also consider adding some solar heating while you're up there.

Solar heating works very similarly to solar panels. A solar collector panel will be installed on your roof that will heat up cool water and return it to a storage tank.

This hot water could be used for different purposes throughout the home.

Geothermal Heating

The temperature on the surface of the earth goes through some pretty significant swings. It can get freezing cold during the winter and be blistering hot during the summer.

However, only a few feet beneath the earth's surface things remain a near constant temperature throughout the year.

Geothermal heating harnesses that consistent temperature to help regulate the temperature of your home. Geothermal heating can be used for a variety of purposes including a consistent supply of hot water.

This is also a very environmentally friendly heating system making it a great opportunity for a green investment.

HVAC

HVAC systems are the gold standard for Home Heating and cooling. They represent the most common air conditioning systems throughout the country.

However, an HVAC system might not be right for your home. Older homes, condos or apartments, and cramped spaces just might not have the room required to install a new HVAC system.

An HVAC system can go far beyond the traditional air conditioning units and forced air heating. You can buy modular systems that are perfect for heating your garage or other spaces like an attic where running a new duct work would be too costly or complicated.

Conclusion

Any of these heating systems would be a smart investment for your home.

Whether you are looking for something eco-friendly like solar or geothermal, or you want the traditional vibes of an old school radiator, you can improve the value of your property by upgrading your heating and cooling to something more intentional.