What’s the most comfortable, efficient way to heat a home? Get all you need to know in this guide.
Is your current heating system getting up there in age? It might be time for a replacement.
While choosing the best heating replacement for your home and budget can be a challenge, it’s not as complex as you might think.
In this article, you’ll learn when you need to replace your home heating system—whether you use a boiler, a furnace, or something else. And we’ll also cover the different (and best!) home heater replacement options available.
Tap here to skip ahead to the info you need:
- Signs you need to fix or replace your current heating system
- Heating system replacement options
- The best home heating system for energy efficiency
- How to get energy-efficient home heating at no upfront cost
8 signs you need to fix (or replace) your current home heating system
- Your utility bills are increasing each season.
- You’re footing the bill for frequent repairs.
- You’re regularly adjusting the thermostat (if you have a central heating system).
- You’re experiencing uneven heating throughout your home.
- It’s running for short, frequent cycles.
- It makes unusual noises when running.
- You regularly don’t feel well in your own home.
- Your heating unit is getting older.
Let’s look at each one of these symptoms.
Know you’re ready to replace? Discover how you could get a heat pump at no upfront cost if your house qualifies.
Your utility bills are increasing each season
If your heating system seems to be running smoothly but your winter energy use increases every year, you’ve likely got an issue.
Every heating system will lose efficiency as it ages, but you’ll want to call an HVAC professional to ensure there aren’t any additional problems.
Pro tip: Heating bills are rising in general, so you might already see year-over-year increases on your bill. You’ll need to review the amount of energy your house is using as a measure of heater efficiency changes.
51% of your home’s energy consumption is for heating and cooling alone.
U.S. Energy Information Administration
You’re regularly adjusting the thermostat
Do you constantly fiddle with your thermostat during the colder months? If you’re always adjusting the temperature to find the perfect setting, it’s a sign of larger issues.
You’re footing the bill for frequent repairs
If your system regularly needs costly repairs and service calls, it’s time for a replacement. Every heating system needs a little TLC every now and again as it gets older. But before you know it—you’ve shelled out so much money that you wish you’d simply bought a new system in the first place.
You’re regularly adjusting the thermostat
Do you constantly fiddle with your thermostat during the colder months? If you’re always adjusting the temperature to find the perfect setting, it’s a sign of larger issues.
You’re experiencing uneven heating throughout your home
Uneven heating can be a sign of a problem with your heating system. While it might feel “normal” to have hot and cool spots throughout your home, it’s not.
And it’s not something you have to get used to. In fact, it’s usually an indicator that something is amiss with your HVAC (or with your insulation).
Your heating system is running for short or frequent cycles
When your heater runs, stops and then starts up again—sometimes called “short-cycling”—it’s a sign of poor HVAC health, and you should get a professional out to assess the issue. (And if it’s your portable heater that’s short-cycling, it’s a telltale sign that the heater isn’t big enough to heat the space.)
If your heating unit begins making strange noises, such as knocking, popping or screeching, don’t overlook it.
Your heater makes unusual noises when running
If your heating unit begins making strange noises, such as knocking, popping or screeching, don’t overlook it. Depending on the type of heating system you have and the sound it’s making, you could have a serious and even dangerous issue.
Case in point: if you ever hear a loud gunshot sound when you turn on your furnace, you could be dealing with a cracked heat exchanger—and a potentially deadly gas or carbon monoxide leak. (See what we mean? Don’t ignore this stuff.)
You’re not feeling well in your own home
If someone in your house ever has unexplained flu-like symptoms during the winter (like dizziness, shortness of breath, or a dull headache), your heater could be the culprit.
Depending on the type of unit you have and the fuel it uses, you might be experiencing a small carbon monoxide leak or even fumes from built-up dust and grime.
Important: If this happens, it’s an emergency. Get everyone out of your home immediately and call your gas company to tell them that you suspect a leak.
Your heating unit is getting older
In general, HVAC technology lasts about 15–20 years. While some heating systems can last longer—depending on the quality of the system and your maintenance schedule—it’s smart to notice when your heater is near the end of its life so you can plan for a more efficient replacement. Read How long does HVAC last? to get the details.
If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll likely get stuck making the decision after a breakdown, which means you won’t have time to find the best option and will likely end up paying more. (And it’s no fun choosing a heating system when your family is already freezing and cranky.)
Okay, so how can I make my heater last longer?
We hear this question a lot. If your heating unit is getting up in age (but has had routine maintenance through the years), you might be able to lengthen its lifespan by reducing its workload.
But how?
Insufficient insulation and air leaks throughout your house cause your heating system to work harder. So you may be able to get a few more years out of your current system by reducing overwork with whole-home air sealing and insulation upgrades.
(And to make the most out of your new heating replacement, make sure to get the right insulation and air sealing upgrades to your home. Each house is unique and requires a customized approach. If you work with Sealed, you can get these important upgrades at no upfront cost.)
Upgrading to modern, cost-saving HVAC (like heat pumps) can attract and convert more buyers and increase home value if you plan to sell your home.
HVAC Boss
What are my heating system options?
So you’ve decided it’s time to replace your heating system. Let’s look at the different heating systems and how they compare with each other.
(And know that whichever heating system you choose, it’ll work much better and more efficiently if your home is properly sealed and insulated. It really does make a huge difference.)
Below, you’ll get the scoop on the pros, cons, and costs of these popular heating replacement options:
- Portable heaters (space heaters)
- Electric resistance heating
- Hydronic or radiant floor heating
- Furnaces (electric, natural gas, propane, or oil)
- Boilers (electric, natural gas, propane, or oil)
- Heat pumps (aka ductless mini splits or ductless heating)
Portable heaters (space heaters)
Let’s start with the smallest. Portable heaters (also called space heaters) are a simple option to control the heat from room to room.
They’re self-contained electric units and don’t require much from you—you’ll just need to plug them in to an existing outlet and monitor their use. (For safety’s sake, don’t leave them running in an empty room.)
Advantages and disadvantages of portable heaters (space heaters)
Portable heating units are inexpensive and require no installation.
According to Energy.gov, electric space heaters are the only unvented heaters that are safe to use inside a building, so they can be a decent temporary solution for cold spots in your home.
That said, space heaters aren’t very efficient, and they can also be a safety issue and a fire hazard—especially in a home with young children or pets. They’re definitely not a permanent fix for a larger heating issue.
Cost of portable heaters and space heaters
Portable electric heating units are inexpensive to purchase and require no installation—that’s their biggest advantage. Depending on the size, model, make and quality, they range anywhere between $15 and $1000.
But they’re not necessarily a “cheap fix.” One space heater left on for just 8 hours a day can hike up your electric bill by a whopping $42.30 per month (1).
Electric resistance heating (wall heaters and baseboard heaters)
Electric wall heaters or baseboard heaters—also known as electric resistance heating—are individual heating units that you can install in rooms that need extra heating support.
Baseboard heaters are relatively affordable and allow you to control heat from room to room.
Advantages and disadvantages of wall heaters and baseboard heaters
Baseboard heaters are relatively affordable and allow you to control heat from room to room.
However, these units aren’t energy efficient, so the electric bill to keep your entire home warm could be pretty high. (If you’re looking for a more efficient electrical heating system, a heat pump is probably your best bet.) Read Electric heat vs. heat pump to learn why.
Cost of electric radiant heating units
A mountable electric wall heater unit can range from $80 for a basic in-wall model to $1,000 for an electric wall-mount fireplace.
For electric baseboard heating, each unit can range between $40 and $400, depending on the grade. Keep in mind that you’ll usually need multiple units per room and will need to factor in the cost for professional installation.
Check out ductless mini-split heat pumps if you’re looking for a duct-free way to heat a home efficiently (and really comfortably).
Hydronic or radiant floor heating
Radiant floor systems distribute heat through a film or mat underneath your floor (or through a hydronic system, which moves heated water through subfloor piping). The system works by heating your floor as well as your furnishings, creating radiant heat throughout your home.
Advantages and disadvantages of radiant floor heating
Radiant floor heating is ductless and doesn’t require air transfer throughout the home and the outdoors (which can reduce the circulation of allergens and dust). It also produces comfortable, even heat throughout your living space.
That said, both hydronic and radiant floor systems are expensive and invasive to install, and they can limit your flooring options. (And if you don’t have the right kind of subfloor, they may not be very efficient.)
Cost of installing radiant floor heating
Hydronic floor heating (with professional installation) can vary between $6 and $16 per square foot, depending on your home’s size, needs and installation requirements. Radiant floor heating is less expensive to install at $8–12 per square foot, but it’s also more expensive to run in the colder months than hydronic floor heating.
Furnace
Furnaces are the most common home heating option in the US, and they can run on electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating fuel oil.
They work by using their power source to ignite the burners inside the furnace cabinet. Then, once the burners are lit, they heat up a component called a heat exchanger, which warms the air for distribution throughout your home via ductwork. A furnace is a “forced air system” method of home heating.
Learn how long a furnace lasts—and when to repair or replace.
Advantages and disadvantages of a furnace
The biggest benefit of a furnace is how quickly it distributes air: When a furnace is running at optimum health, your home’s temperature will increase as soon as it’s turned on. Furnaces are also relatively affordable to purchase, install, and maintain (since the technology is so common), and they also keep a low visual profile in your home.
However, furnaces are one of the least efficient heating systems on the market. You lose a lot of valuable heat and energy when the hot air travels through ductwork. In addition, since most furnaces run on fossil fuels, you’ll have the added health concerns from possible carbon monoxide and gas leaks.
Check out heat pumps vs furnaces to learn more about how they compare to the most efficient home heating systems on the market.
Still, furnaces are available everywhere and are a popular and viable heating option for a lot of folks (though you’ll definitely want to properly seal and insulate your home to get the best efficiency and comfort out of your system).
Cost of a furnace
The average cost to replace a furnace depends on the type of furnace, the area you live in and whether or not you have existing or well-sealed ductwork. Purchased on its own, a gas furnace averages anywhere between $1,800 and $4,000. An oil furnace can cost between $4,650–6,900 with professional installation, and an electric furnace with professional installation can cost you $1,850–$2,750.
The average cost to replace a furnace depends on the type of furnace, the area you live in and whether or not you have existing ductwork that’s in good shape. Purchased on its own, a gas furnace averages anywhere between $1,800 and $4,000.
An oil furnace can cost between $4,650–6,900 with professional installation, and an electric furnace with professional installation can cost you $1,850–$2,750.
Boiler (electric, natural gas, or oil)
Boilers are another common heating system in the U.S., and they work by heating water (with electricity, gas, propane or oil) until it turns into steam. This steam created by the hot water is then released into the air and pumped into the home to heat the space via convectors or radiators.
If you’re going green, it’s possible to find boilers that burn cleaner fuels such as natural gas and biodiesel.
Advantages and disadvantages of a traditional boiler
Boiler systems rely on ductwork and vents (called registers) to distribute heated air, so you won’t need to worry about having bulky wall units in your home. And much like floor heating options, they provide dust-free heating throughout the home.
But there are some disadvantages: Most of the boiler options on the market are significantly less efficient than newer, smarter technologies. And, since they’re pressurized vessels and some run on fossil fuels, there are some significant safety concerns. Plus, their heating can be pretty uneven.
Check out air source heat pumps vs boilers to get an in-depth look. Or read our troubleshooting guide if you’ve got one radiator not working (or several).
Cost of installing a boiler for central heating
The cost to install or replace a boiler depends on the operating fuel used, the make and model, the region you live in and more. They’re also more expensive to maintain. Depending on the options you choose, you might pay between $2,000–20,000 to install a new boiler. (And that’s not factoring in the regular meticulous maintenance to keep your boiler running safely.)
Heat pumps (also known as ductless heating or ductless mini splits)
Heat pumps are the smartest and most efficient home heating option available today. They work by taking heat from the outside air and moving it inside your home. (Yes, there’s heat energy in the air even on the coldest of days.)
Another win: They also do whole-home air conditioning by reversing that process; they cool your home by removing heat from your indoor environment and transferring it outside your home.
Heat pumps are a flexible technology, and you can get them in both central and ductless versions—so if you’re looking for an efficient ductless heating option, a heat pump is your best bet (they dramatically outperform other ductless electric heating systems).
Ducted heat pumps or central heat pumps use a similar configuration as a traditional HVAC system (so if you already have existing ductwork in your home, you can use it).
Meanwhile, ductless heat pumps use wall-mounted units called mini splits (also called mini-split AC) to heat and distribute the air. (The mini splits are connected directly to an outdoor unit via copper lines, which is why you won’t need ductwork.)
Learn more about How mini splits work and How to camouflage a mini split indoor unit here.
Pros and cons of heating your home with a heat pump
Heat pumps provide beautifully even and non-stuffy heating throughout your home, and if you choose a ductless mini split option, you’ll be able to control the temperatures of the different zones separately.
Heat pumps are also fully electric and energy-efficient—they’re the cleanest, greenest option currently on the market. And you can replace your entire HVAC system with a heat pump system (and be happier and more comfortable for it) because they heat and cool your home.
The biggest initial barrier to installing a heat pump is usually the upfront installation costs—but you may not have to pay those. And if you choose a ductless mini-split system, you’ll need to adjust to the look of the wall units.
Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of installing a heat pump.
81% say their home comfort has improved by replacing their fossil fuel heaters with heat pumps.
Cool Products 2022 consumer analysis
Heat pump vs. furnace
Heat pumps are more energy efficient, they’re safer (no risks of gas leaks or carbon monoxide), and heat pumps warm your space more evenly than a furnace would. Also, don’t forget that a heat pump is also an air conditioner—there’s no furnace on the market that can do that!
For a full comparison, read Heat pumps vs Furnaces.
Heat pump vs. boiler
Compared to a boiler, a heat pump is less costly to maintain, provides better and more consistent heat, is much more efficient and doesn’t come with the risk of explosion. Plus, you can install a heat pump even if you don’t have ductwork. And it keeps your home cool in the summer, too!
For a complete look, check out our heat pump vs boiler guide.
Cost of installing a heat pump system
The cost of installing a heat pump system can be a big barrier for many homeowners.
High-performance heat pump equipment can range from $6K to $20K for the appliance units alone. Overall costs vary by region, but in general, professional installation of a complete heat pump system could cost you up to $15-45K or more (2, 3, 4).
(In our experience, we’ve seen whole-home heat pump projects reach $60K in costs on occasion.)
The factors that will directly affect the cost to install a heat pump in your home include:
- The type of heat pump you install (geothermal, air-source, ductless)
- Your home’s size and how many BTUs you need
- If you have existing ductwork in good shape
- If you weatherize your home at the same time to optimize performance and lifespan
It can be a significant investment. And that doesn’t factor in financing costs if you decide to finance your project. But there are significant rebates and tax incentives for high-efficiency heat pumps available because they do such a good job of cutting energy waste.
Because of their superior comfort, low maintenance, lifespan, and energy efficiency, heat pump systems provide an excellent lifetime value for most people.
(Remember, they’re a home heating system, air conditioning system, air-filtering and humidity-control system—all in one! And they do all these jobs with incredible reliability and top performance. That’s why we like to call them the Tesla of HVAC.)
At Sealed, we believe everyone should be able to experience the comfort, health, and energy benefits of a heat pump. So we came up with a better way to get one.
Get the best home heating system for ZERO upfront cost
If you live in an eligible area, you may be able to get a heat pump system from Sealed at no upfront cost.
We make the process hassle-free and stay accountable to the work being done right. If your house needs it, we can also help you keep your paid-for heat inside by optimizing your new system with air sealing and insulation upgrades.
On top of all that, we’ll help you understand what local rebates or heat pump tax incentives might apply to your project.
And we stand by our work with an energy-savings guarantee. We believe in the power of heat pumps that much. Learn more.