Baseboard heat versus forced-air? Steam heat or electric heat? Homes can have a variety of heating systems, varying based on factors like the age of the home and its location. Different types of heaters, like any major home feature, have benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re thinking of making a change in your home or shopping for a new place, it’s up to you to decide what you are looking for in a heating system.

Radiator

Radiator systems are considered a type of central heat. They can be powered by steam or hot water. Steam-powered radiators are more common in older homes, while you're more likely to find hot-water radiator systems in newer construction. In this type of heating system, a boiler generates the heat, which is transferred throughout the home to radiators in various rooms. 

Pros: Radiator heating systems tend to be low-maintenance and very reliable. Since radiators are powered by steam or hot water, homes with this type of heating system typically maintain a nice humidity level. Other heating systems can result in dry air in the home.

Cons: On the downside, radiators can take up a significant amount of space. If you have a large home, this may not be an issue. But, you may find yourself wishing the radiators were out of the way in a smaller living space. You also need to remember radiators will be hot to the touch and potentially loud.

Forced-Air

A central furnace heats air and distributes it throughout a house via air ducts in a forced-air heating system. Furnaces are typically powered by natural gas, although they can be powered by electricity and liquid propane. Forced-air is the most common heating system in North American homes, so you're pretty likely to encounter this heating option during your search for a home.

Pros: Forced-air heating systems are generally considered energy efficient, which likely means good news for your utility bill. This system also does double duty, typically serving as a home’s cooling system as well.

Cons: Furnaces do require regular maintenance to ensure the system is working as it should. Forced-air heating can also dry out the air and circulate allergens in the home. But, homeowners can choose to add humidifier equipment and filters to the system to combat those issues.

Baseboard

Baseboard heating systems can either be powered by hot water or electricity. This type of system is named for the location of its heating units. Hot water baseboard heat is a type of central heating, which uses a boiler, like radiator heating systems. Electric baseboard heating is not central heating. Rather, individual units heat air and push it out to warm each room of the house.

Pros: A high level of temperature control is one of the biggest benefits of baseboard heat. Hot water baseboard heat is energy efficient. Both hot water and electric baseboard heating systems are very quiet.

Cons: The location of the heating units can be a bit obtrusive in smaller spaces. You need to maintain at least six inches of open space in front of the heating units. That means you need to consider your furniture and curtain placement carefully.

Another consideration is cost. While relatively inexpensive to install, electric baseboard systems can be on the more expensive side to run.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump system is one of the newer heating system options. This type of system, which also cools the home, is usually run via electricity. It uses pumps to source heat from outside of the home, usually from the air but ground-source systems also exist.

Pros: Heat pump systems are energy efficient, which means long-term savings. This option also does its job without making much noise. 

Cons: The efficacy of heat pumps is in part determined by the location of the home. If you're looking to live somewhere that has freezing temperatures, a heat pump system may not be the best option. If you're planning to invest in a new system, heat pumps have a higher upfront cost than many other options.

Radiant

Radiant heating systems are also powered by boilers, but instead of delivering heat via visible heating units, this system is in-floor. Heated water runs through plastic tubing installed beneath wood flooring, heating the floor, furniture, and air in a room. There are also radiant heating systems that use electrical wiring, but these tend to be less efficient.   

Pros: Radiant heating systems provide very even heating. Unlike many forced-air and radiator systems, radiant heating is silent. Plus, you don’t have to worry about allergens being spread through air ducts.

Cons: If you're installing a radiant heating system, it will be an expensive investment. You also likely won’t be able to install carpet. If something does happen to this system, accessing the system’s piping can be expensive and inconvenient. 

Solar

Solar heating systems use heat from the sun to warm liquid or air that's then used to warm your home. Solar heating systems can be active, passive, or liquid-based active. The heat generated by solar power can be distributed via radiant systems, radiators, and heat pumps.

Pros: Solar power is a clean and renewable form of energy. In addition to reducing electricity bills, it cuts down on carbon emissions. Over time, it's possible that investing in a solar heating system could increase the value of your home.

Cons: You may qualify for a federal grant to help pay for the installation of a solar heating system. If not, this option may be quite expensive. Additionally, not all homes are suited for solar panels.