When it comes to building or remodeling a home, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right heating system. There are many residential heating options available, each with its own advantages, costs, and considerations. Architect Travis Beasley has worked with a wide variety of systems and brings both professional experience and personal insight into what truly makes a house comfortable and healthy.
Common Heating Systems for Residences
Today’s homeowners have a number of choices when it comes to heating:
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Electric radiant heat (including ceiling panels)
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Hydronic heating (typically gas-fired and piped through baseboards or floors)
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Forced air furnaces
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Electric baseboard heating
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Heated floors
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Passive solar heating
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Solar heating (water-based systems or PV-powered tanks)
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Geothermal heating systems
Each method has benefits depending on the location, climate, installation costs, and long-term efficiency goals.
Electric vs. Gas Heating
For many homeowners, the first question is whether to use electric or gas. Electric systems often come with lower installation costs, making them attractive for quick or budget-conscious builds. However, they tend to have higher operating costs, especially in colder climates where the system runs constantly.
Gas heating, on the other hand, usually offers lower operating costs over time. The challenge is availability—natural gas is not always accessible, and in some cases, a propane tank must be installed.
Solar and Geothermal Options
Solar heating—whether through water-based systems or photovoltaic panels with a floatable tank—can reduce dependence on traditional utilities. However, solar alone is seldom enough to handle all heating needs, since cloudy days and nighttime require thermal storage or a backup system.
Geothermal systems use the earth’s stable temperatures to heat and cool homes efficiently, but they involve high upfront installation costs and require the right site conditions.
Why Zoning Matters
No matter the heating method, zoning is key. Without individual zones, homeowners risk hot and cold spots throughout the house. A properly zoned system not only keeps rooms consistently comfortable but also reduces wasted energy, saving money over time.
Hydronic Heating: Travis’ Recommendation
From both professional and personal experience, Travis recommends hydronic heating systems. This approach uses hot water piped through baseboards or under floors to deliver warmth evenly throughout the house.
Advantages of hydronic heating include:
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Flexible zoning for precise temperature control
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Pipes take up far less space than ducts
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More consistent, even heating
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Options for baseboard convector heaters or in-floor systems
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Higher upfront installation cost, but lower operating cost long-term
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A healthier indoor environment
Travis’ preference is rooted in his family’s experience. When his son Sam was a baby, the family lived in a house with forced air heating. During those years, both his wife Dana and young Sam were sick frequently—Dana once for six weeks straight. Later, when they moved into a home with hydronic heating, the difference was dramatic. The system provided a gentle humidifying effect and created a healthier atmosphere overall.
Choosing the Best Heating Option
Ultimately, the right system depends on a homeowner’s budget, long-term goals, climate, and access to energy sources. While electric may be cost-effective to install, gas can be cheaper to operate, and solar or geothermal may offer sustainability for those willing to invest upfront.
But for those seeking comfort, efficiency, and health, Travis points to hydronic heating as the standout choice among today’s residential heating options.
👉 Ready to explore the best heating system for your home? Apply for a free consultation today and discover the right solution for your needs.