What is the best heating system to put in your house?

Author: Preston Huels  |  Last update: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Geothermal systems provide the most efficient type of heating. They can cut heating bills by up to 70%. Like other types of heat pumps, they're also very safe and environmentally friendly to operate.

What is the most efficient heating system for a home?

Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient home heating systems available. They harness the stable temperature of the Earth's ground or groundwater to provide consistent heating.

What type of heat is best for a house?

The most efficient heating source is forced air heat with a furnace. Natural gas is decently clean and far more efficient than electric. You also want to ensure you have enough insulation in your home's walls, floors and attic spaces.

What is the cheapest most efficient way to heat a house?

Furnace and Boiler Systems

The U.S. Energy Department says furnaces and boilers are the most common heating systems in the country. According to David, they're also the most economical – at least those powered by natural gas. “Natural gas is still the least costly form of energy in most of the country,” David says.

Should I get a heat pump or furnace?

Heat pumps are more energy-efficient and versatile, providing both heating and cooling functions, while furnaces are typically more effective in colder climates. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, your local climate, and the specifics of your home.

Which Heating System Is Best in 2024?

What is the downside to a heat pump?

It's expensive to install a heat pump

They cost considerably more than a gas installation. Nevertheless, grants are available to reduce the purchasing cost, which is not the case with gas installations. However, even with such grants, the heat pump is still at least 20% more expensive.

Is it worth replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump?

If your furnace has an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating lower than 79% and the cost of electricity in your area is low then replacing it with a heat pump that has a high HSPF rating will save you energy and money in the long run.

What is the most expensive way to heat a home?

Though common, oil systems are one of the most expensive ways to heat a home. Natural gas is cheaper, but there are some hidden costs to switching. When you're considering oil vs. natural gas, there are a few things to consider before you pick one.

What is the best heating system for an old house?

In most cases, heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat your older home. These super-powerful HVAC systems work by transferring heat from outside your home to the inside of your home and they also double as an air conditioning system in the warmer months—a win-win.

Are heat pumps worth it?

Why should you consider buying one? An air source heat pump is a more sustainable option than oil or gas heating and it uses the electricity more efficiently than other heating systems. So overall, it's a more energy efficient solution to heating your home.

What is the best heating system to install?

Heat pumps are the most efficient heating systems - they can be as high as 400% Despite being more efficient, electricity is more expensive than gas, so gas boilers are ultimately cheaper to run.

How much is a heat pump?

The price for these systems generally falls between $4,500 and $8,000, including installation. Air-source heat pumps work by transferring heat between your home and the outside air, making them a versatile choice that can function in most homes.

What type of heater puts out the most heat?

What type of heater puts out the most heat? The type of heater that puts out the most heat depends on various factors, but generally, infrared heaters (such as the radiant heaters in this article) are known for emitting a significant amount of heat.

What is the new heating system?

Revolutionary heat pump technology

They use 75% of natural resources from the air, ground or a water source to provide heating and hot water comfort for your home. The remaining 25% is powered through electricity in order to operate.

How much is a new furnace?

Ask twenty professional HVAC contractors the question, “How Much Does A New Furnace Cost?” and you'll probably get the same answer... “It depends.” On average, the cost of a new furnace can range from $2,000 - $14,2001. However, factors like furnace efficiency, type, size, and much more can impact this range.

How to heat your house for free?

How To Heat Your House For Free
  1. With energy bills increasing by the year, more and more people are looking for ways to keep their property warm without turning on the heating. ...
  2. Let Sunlight In. ...
  3. Rearrange Your Furniture. ...
  4. Insulate Your Windows. ...
  5. Make A Terracotta Heater. ...
  6. Bleed The Radiators. ...
  7. Put A Shelf Above The Radiator.

What is the least expensive heating system?

Electric baseboard heaters are one of the most straightforward and least expensive systems to install. They don't require ductwork, which significantly reduces the installation cost. These units are wall-mounted and connected directly to the home's electrical system.

Where do old houses lose the most heat?

The Biggest Sources of Energy Loss in Old Homes
  • Leaky Air Ducts. Ducts are essential for moving heat throughout your home. ...
  • Windows and Doors. ...
  • Outdated Appliances. ...
  • Less Energy-Efficient Lighting. ...
  • No Insulation. ...
  • Fireplaces. ...
  • Floor, Walls, and Ceilings. ...
  • Outdated HVAC Units.

What heating system lasts the longest?

Heat pumps: 10 to 16 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal heat pumps: 25 to 30 years; ground loops will last upwards of 50 years. Solar: 25 to 30 years.

What is the best heating option for a house?

Finding the Most Efficient Heating System: Furnaces
  • Gas: Gas furnaces use natural gas, a plentiful natural resource. ...
  • Oil: Oil furnaces burn fuel oil to produce heat. ...
  • Electric: Electric furnaces warm your home by using electricity to power heating coils that generate heat.

Can solar panels be used for heating?

Heating your home with an active solar energy system can significantly reduce your fuel bills in the winter. A solar heating system will also reduce the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gases that result from your use of fossil fuels for heating or generating the electricity.

At what temperature is a heat pump useless?

Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.

How to get tax credit for heat pump?

Here are all the steps you need to take to save on your new heat pump.
  1. Keep track of (or track down) the invoice from your contractor.
  2. Fill out IRS Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits. ...
  3. Submit the form along with your annual tax return.

How much does it cost to switch from a furnace to a heat pump?

Initial Costs Are Comparable to a New Furnace

The average cost to replace a gas furnace with a heat pump is about $6,000, but the range could be between $4,200 and $7,900 depending on the size and type of heat pump you need to efficiently heat your home.

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