A variety of technologies are available for heating your house. In addition to heat pumps, which are discussed separately, many homes use the following approaches:

ACTIVE SOLAR HEATING

Uses the sun to heat either air or liquid and can serve as a supplemental heat source.

ELECTRIC RESISTANCE HEATING

Among the most expensive ways to heat a home.

FURNACES AND BOILERS

By far the most common way to heat a home.

WOOD AND PELLET HEATING

Provides a way to heat your home using biomass or waste sources.

STEAM AND HOT WATER RADIATORS

While forced-air heating systems, heat pumps, and air conditioners rely on ducts, water and steam heat systems use radiators that only deliver heat.

RADIANT HEATING

Can draw on a number of energy sources, including electricity, boilers, solar energy, and wood and pellet-fuel heating.

PORTABLE HEATERS

Less efficient than central heating systems, but can save energy when used appropriately.