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.
The most cost-effective ways to heat a house with gas include forced air furnaces or boilers for hot water or steam in radiators. In each system, burning gas creates heat that is distributed via ducts or pipes.
Geothermal systems provide the most efficient type of heating. They can cut heating bills by up to 70%.
The cheapest way to heat your house with electricity is to use a heat pump. Instead of using the energy to create heat (through resistive heating), you use the energy to move heat from a colder area to a warmer area. The most efficient heat pump is a water source heat pump.
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.
The Energy Saving Trust , an independent organisation that provides advice on energy use, is unequivocal on this point. It says that keeping your heating on all day uses more fuel and so is more costly.
Reverse cycle air-conditioners provide convective heat and are the most energy-efficient heater and cooler of all types, irrespective of fuel source.
The average cost to install a geothermal heat pump typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on factors like the size of the system, property location, and installation complexity. Horizontal loop systems tend to be less expensive, while vertical systems, which require deep drilling, are on the higher end.
When it comes to the cheapest heating system to install, electric baseboard heaters take the lead due to their low upfront costs and ease of installation. However, it's essential to weigh these savings against the higher operating costs associated with electric heating.
Simply put, natural gas fired units are the least expensive to operate of all central heating units. When efficiency is considered, both gas and oil boilers are less efficient than electric ones. Of course the cost of electricity continues to increase so the overall cost may not be less than fossil fuel fired units.
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.
But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible. This makes them much cheaper to run than central heating, space heating, and air source heat pumps.
Although turning your heat on and completely off frequently can raise energy bills, you can actually save a lot of money by turning your heat down when you are not at home and keeping it at a reasonable temperature when you are.
Yes, open doors are generally better in winter to maintain a consistent temperature. They allow your heating system to distribute warm air evenly across rooms, improving comfort and efficiency while preventing energy waste.
1. Gas boiler. A gas boiler is still the cheapest way to heat your home when comparing various heating systems, especially when analysis the latest figures from Ofgem. As of December 2024, the cost of gas is 6.24p per kWh, a 10% increase on the previous quarter, and still higher year-on-year.
To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.
Open your curtains during the day - the sun still provides warmth even in the winter months. Make sure you close them as soon as the sun sets to keep the warm air in. Investing in thicker curtains, or thermal curtain liners, will help keep the cold air out and prevent heat loss.
Con: You May Have to Pay a Rental Fee
The biggest disadvantage to a propane heating system is keeping up with tank maintenance – or not. If you own the tank, you're responsible for regular inspections, and you have to fix the problem if there's leaks or corrosion. You might even eventually have to replace the tank.
What is the average heating cost for a 3000 sq ft home? The average annual heating cost typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500.
To determine the number of BTUs per square foot that you need to heat a room, simply multiply the square footage by 20 BTUs per square foot. For example, if a room has 1,000 square feet, you would require 20,000 BTUs to heat it.