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According to Energy Star, furnaces are the most commonly used residential heating system in the U.S. Probably as a result of this there are several types of furnaces used in heating houses. These range in type from central heating systems to ductless systems. Understanding the different types of furnaces and where they can be efficiently employed would help in decision making.

Central Heating Furnace

This is a heating system that operates through the use of ducts or pipes networked through the entire house. It is often found with the central cooling system and they work in tandem with each other. Central cooling forces cool air into the house and hot air outside, central heating works in the reverse, forcing hot air into the house and cold air outside.

The central heating system is a common feature in most American homes and where it has been properly installed and well maintained, is cost effective.

Ductless Furnace

This is a heating system that operates without the use of ducts or pipe work. It is commonly used where the house has no existing ductwork or pipe work and is considered a less expensive alternative to retrofitting the house for a duct or pipe network. It can either be a floor or wall furnace, heating the house from below or from the walls of the house where it is placed.

Steam and Hot Water Furnace

Both the steam furnace and the hot water furnace operate via central heating. They make use of pipes which are placed inside the walls or ceilings of the house or use heating coils to transfer hot air into the house. The radiant heat furnaces carry hot water and make use of pipes that are embedded in a concrete slab on the floor.

The Heat Pump

The heat pump makes use of ducts or pipes to supply hot air to the house. Heat pumps are common in most homes in the US and are used a lot in warmer climates. They are not very good for long use in freezing temperatures however, so that needs to be taken into consideration. Before purchasing a heat pump, it is important to discover the heating efficiency which is determined by the heating season performance factor (HSPF).

If you are making use of a central furnace, it is advisable to check the efficiency of the unit. This is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) and manufacturers are obliged by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations to display the AFUE of a furnace on the surface of the unit. It is from the AFUE measurement that you can determine how energy efficient that unit is.

Before making any choice at all, it is important to seek the advice of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) consultant who can give recommendations on what furnaces will best suit your house and the occupants.