The Difference between Different Sources of Heat for a Home (Electric, Steam, Hot Water, HVAC, Radiant)

Electric 

Due to the high cost of power, electric resistance heating systems or heaters are seldom used as the principal house heating system. For homes without other heating systems, basements, season rooms, and home offices, they make a good supplemental heating solution.

Steam

The boilers that were put in these older homes have a sight glass to show the water level and a low-water sensing system to keep the water level there. These steam boilers employ water to create steam that is subsequently utilized to warm the house by sending it up through the radiators.

Hot water

Hydronic heating, or hot water heating, followed the process of heating with steam. However, instead of using steam to heat the system, hydronics uses water to flood the baseboards. 180 degrees are reached in the water’s temperature. Water that circulates through the heating system’s pipes and radiation sources heats the home.

HVAC

Any system that controls a space’s temperature or ventilation is referred to as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). There are many different kinds of these systems, ranging from central air and heating to portable space heaters and AC units. Building owners can modify HVAC systems to meet particular temperature control requirements. HVAC systems are intended to maintain spaces at a comfortable temperature.

Radiant

Using electric or hydronic in-floor or in-ceiling radiant heating panels or tubing, radiant heating transfers heat to the occupied space. Electricity, a boiler powered by gas or oil, solar energy, or even geothermal energy are all possible radiant heat sources.