Published on EGEE 102: Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection (https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee102)

Home > Lessons > Lesson 8: Home Heating Systems > Lesson 8a: Comparison of Home Heating Systems > Central Heating Systems

Central Heating Systems

Home heating systems are classified based on the fuel and/or the method by which the heat is transferred and distributed into the house:

  • Furnaces, boilers, or electric resistance heat powered by conventional fuels supply most of the heating in homes and commercial buildings today.
  • Heat pumps are used to a lesser (but increasing) extent to provide space heating.

Most newer homes are heated using central heating systems. Those without central heating systems utilize electric baseboard heaters or, in some cases, in-the-wall or in-floor gas heaters or radiant heat.

Instructions: Move your cursor over the numbers below and click to see the characteristics of a central heating system:

Source URL: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee102/node/2082