What different types of home heating are there? Experts weigh the pros and cons

Advantages

• Powerful heating for the whole house
• Compatible with central air conditioning
• Long service life with regular maintenance

Disadvantages

• Can dry out the air in the room
• Less efficient than heat pumps or hybrids
• Requires duct installation

Boilers and radiators

In older or historic homes, it is common for boilers to heat water and circulate it through radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating. While installation costs are higher than furnaces—averaging between $5,000 and $12,000—boilers can last 15 to 25 years. Because they are water-based rather than air-based, boilers provide even heat without drying out the air. However, they do not provide cooling, so you will need a separate air conditioner. “If your home already has radiators, a new high-efficiency boiler can be a sensible long-term investment,” says Pound.

Best for: Older houses with existing radiators

Advantages

• Even, pleasant warmth
• No ducts required (ideal for retrofits)
• Works quietly

Disadvantages

• Only heating – no cooling
• Higher installation costs
• Slower temperature changes compared to forced air

Heat pumps

Heat pumps have gained popularity due to their energy efficiency and versatility, and some states offer tax incentives for their installation. They move heat rather than create it by removing heat from outside air (air source) or the ground (geothermal) and transferring it indoors. They can also cool houses. Pound said air source heat pumps cost about $6,000 to $12,000 to install and last 10 to 15 years, while geothermal systems can cost between $15,000 to $30,000 but have a lifespan of 25 years or more.

Best for: Milder climate with moderate winters (especially for air source systems); Homeowners seeking energy savings and dual heating/cooling

Advantages

• Extremely energy efficient
• Provides both heating and cooling
• Lower monthly operating costs
  

Disadvantages

• Less effective in very cold temperatures (for air source types)
• Higher upfront costs for geothermal systems

Hybrid (dual fuel) systems

If you want the best of both worlds, hybrid systems combine the efficiency of an electric heat pump with the reliability of a gas furnace. “Hybrid heating systems excel from an energy efficiency perspective,” says Shavers. “These systems use an electric heat pump in milder weather and automatically switch to gas heating when temperatures drop.” Pound adds that installation costs $10,000 to $20,000 and will last 20 to 25 years.

Best for: Regions with wide temperature swings – warm days and cold nights – or homeowners who prioritize both comfort and savings.

Advantages

• Maximizes efficiency all year round
• Automatically selects the most economical fuel
• Reliable warmth in any weather
  

Disadvantages

• Highest upfront cost among standard systems
• Requires both gas and electric hookups

Radiant heating

Radiant systems heat surfaces—usually floors—via electrical wires or hot water hoses, distributing heat evenly throughout the room without moving air. They are particularly popular in bathrooms and new homes. With a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, they are among the longest-lasting heating systems; Installation can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 and is best done during construction or a renovation.

Best for: New construction or conversions where floors may be exposed; Bathrooms or basements that require even heat

Advantages

• Quiet and invisible
• Even, pleasant warmth without drafts
• Excellent for allergy sufferers
  

Disadvantages

• Retrofitting is expensive and disruptive
• Difficult to repair after installation
• Slower heating time

Electrical resistance

Electrical resistance heating systems convert electrical energy directly into heat using conductive materials such as metal coils or ceramic elements. These systems include baseboard heaters, wall units, and electric furnaces. Although they are extremely reliable, they can be expensive to operate in regions with high electricity costs. Therefore, it is best suited for use in smaller spaces with limited use, such as basements or three-season rooms. Installation costs can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for whole-house systems or a few hundred dollars for a baseboard unit. Most devices last 10 to 20 years.

Best for: Mild climate, smaller houses or rooms without access to gas pipes

Advantages

• Low upfront installation costs
• Extremely energy efficient and clean – no combustion or emissions
• Provides precise zone heating when used with thermostats
  

Disadvantages

• Expensive to operate when electricity prices are high
• Visible indoor units

Ductless mini splits

Ductless mini-splits consist of small wall-mounted indoor air handlers connected to an outdoor compressor, allowing independent temperature control (both heating and cooling) in each zone. For homes without plumbing, ductless mini-split systems offer a flexible alternative. “In humid or coastal regions, ductless mini-splits are great for temperature and humidity control,” says Pound. They cost $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the number of zones and can last 10 to 15 years.

Best for: houses without canals; Annexes or other spaces requiring independent temperature control

Advantages

• Zoned heating and cooling
• Highly efficient
• Fast, non-invasive installation
  

Disadvantages

• Visible indoor units
• Multiple zones can increase costs

Wood burning systems

Wood heating can take a variety of forms, but wood stoves and pellet stoves are among the most popular options. While they evoke a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere, modern versions are often more efficient and environmentally conscious than their predecessors. They are ideal for rural, off-grid homes and smaller spaces. Installation costs range from $1,000 to $6,000 and systems can last 10 to 20 years.

Best for: Supplemental heat, rural homes and off-grid or environmentally conscious homeowners using renewable fuel sources.

Advantages

• Renewable, sustainable heat source
• Cost-effective
• Adds a cozy visual and tactile element
  

Disadvantages

• Requires fuel storage and frequent cleaning
• Air quality and smoke can be a problem
• Not suitable as a primary heat source in most climates

How to choose the right heating system for your home

There is usually no specific “best” system for your home, as most homes can handle different types of heating. “The right heating system should complement both your home and your lifestyle,” says Shavers.

Of course, there are variables to consider. “When choosing a heating system, I always advise homeowners to start with their climate. Colder areas often require gas furnaces or hybrid systems, while temperate climates can benefit from an air source heat pump,” says Pound. “The size and layout of your home also plays a role. Larger homes tend to do better with ducted systems, whereas smaller or segmented rooms may work best with ductless mini-splits.” She also recommends considering “your available energy source, whether gas, electricity or propane,” as this will impact your operating costs.

If you are unsure which system to choose, consult a professional. “Regardless of the climate, proper sizing and professional installation is the most important factor in comfort and performance,” says Pound. “This ensures that your system runs optimally and lasts for years.”

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Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based writer covering architecture, design, and travel. She worked on the staff of Architectural Digest, ARTnews, and Oyster.com, a TripAdvisor company, and contributed Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, Among other things, Design Milk and Hunker. When she's not dreaming about mid-century chairs, give her another look The X-Files probably in an airport lounge or on an airplane.