Depending on where you live, your heating system is an essential piece of equipment in your home or business. In areas with long, cold winters, a properly functioning heating system isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. But with so many different heating systems on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this blog post, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of the most popular types of heating systems so that you can make an informed when choosing yours.

Furnaces

A furnace is a heating system that uses natural gas, propane, or oil to heat air. Furnace circulates heated air throughout your home or business using a system of ducts. There are 4 different furnace types:

Natural Draft

This furnace system had no blower, but some were later adapted to use electric blowers to aid air circulation. Natural draft furnaces have pilot lights. Their estimated efficiency rating was between 65 and 70 percent AFUE.

Forced-Air

In forced-air furnaces, cast-iron or sectional steel heat exchanger provides heat to the property. Blowers help circulate the air at variable speeds. Energy efficiency would range from 50% to 65% AFUE.

Condensing

A condensing furnace is more commonly known as a high-efficiency furnace. This furnace has a secondary heat exchanger that allows it to extract more heat from the air around it. You get 90% efficiency (most of them are 96%) AFUE with high efficiency.

Boilers

A boiler is similar to a furnace because it uses natural gas, propane, or oil for heating. However, instead of circulating the heated air through ducts, they distribute heat by pumping hot water. The boiler’s small pipes circulate hot water to heat baseboards, cast iron radiators, or radiant flooring systems. They’re great for providing zoned heating but not very efficient for large areas.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump uses an external compressor to extract heat from the air and delivers it to the home through an indoor air handler. One advantage of heat pumps is their flexibility. You can switch to air conditioning mode during the summer months.

Get A Professional Opinion To Size Your Heating Needs

Sizing a heating system is a job that a professional should take care of. After thoroughly inspecting the entire home and looking at seals, joints, and insulation, your HVAC technician will estimate the system size needed. Other aspects they should take into consideration are:

• Local climate

• Property orientation

• Windows’ location

• Rooms’ size

• The number of occupants

Work With Experienced Technicians from BAC Heating & Cooling

At Brighton Air Corp., we offer residential and commercial heating services, such as furnace and boiler installation, repair, and maintenance to the residents and businesses of central NJ. Our technicians have over 150+ years of combined experience. We pride ourselves on being fast and efficient while providing our customers with the highest quality service. 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW