Types of Room Heating

Active Solar Heating

• Active solar heating systems are the most cost-effective when used for more than a year. These systems utilize solar energy collectors. These solar energy collectors can be either liquid-based or air-based systems. Liquid-based systems heat water or an anti-freeze solution in a hydronic collector. Air-based solar energy collectors heat the room's air in an air collector. Many times an auxiliary or back-up system accompanies solar heating systems in case additional heating is needed. Many states offer sales tax exemptions, income tax credits or deductions, and property tax exemptions or deductions for solar energy systems.

Furnaces and Boilers

• Furnaces and boilers are the most common type of heating system. These systems heat and distribute air throughout the house using ducts. Boilers heat water to create steam for heating a room. Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is a measurement used to compare heating efficiencies of various furnaces and boilers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that new furnaces and boilers have their AFUE displayed. Consumers should consult the FTC in order to determine the proper AFUE levels for furnaces and boilers.

Radiant Heating

• Radiant heating systems transfer heat directly to panels in the floor, wall, or ceiling of a house or room. There are three types of radiant floor heating systems: air floors, electric floors and hot water floors. Radiant heating can be advantageous for people with severe allergies, since it does not involve moving air. Hydronic or liquid-based radiant heating systems require little electrical energy, which can save on a home's electric bills.

Portable Heaters

• Small space heaters can be a more economical option to a main heating system in certain situations. This may be the case when homeowners only want to heat one room of a house. Portable space heaters can also be used to supplement inadequate heating systems. Those who are especially sensitive to cold temperatures, such as the elderly, may find portable heaters useful for keeping warm. Most space heaters use convection, which is the circulation of air in a room. Others may use radiant heating methods by directly heating objects. However, space heaters may be easily knocked over, which increases the danger of fire.

Wood and Pellet Heaters

• Wood heaters burn wood to create heat. Prior to the 20th century, 90 percent of Americans burned wood to heat their homes. However, due to the advent of fossil fuel, the proportion of Americans using wood heaters dropped to one percent by 1970. Pellet heaters are wood heaters which use small pellets made from saw dust, wood chips, bark and other organic materials to create heat.

Electric Resistance Heating

• Electric resistance heating converts electricity directly to heat. Most electricity is produced from oil, gas or coal generators. However, only approximately 30 percent of the fuel energy is converted into electricity. Electric resistance heaters are one of the most expensive methods for heating a room.